1. Count and sort at home!
Sorting laundry is an excellent activity for little ones to get them into the habit of seeing similarities and differences. Another option could be sorting silverware in a drawer, buttons or coins. Older children could be encouraged to sort and then count by 2s, 3s, etc. or to estimate to figure out the total number of objects. They will be having fun and practicing crucial early math concepts at the same time.
2. Use math talk with food
Have your children help you in the kitchen. Baking is a natural for talking math as it leads to conversations about capacity (use the measuring cups!) and fractions. Create another layer with the addition of fraction by 'hiding' the 1 cup option and asking your child how to create 1 cup with just the 1/2 cup or 1/3 cup options. In the end, you will have spent quality time with your child, reinforced the importance of math in everyday life, and baked a yummy treat to share. It's a win-win!
3. Play games with your children
Playing a game that involves counting, whether it's money, playing cards, or spaces on a board, can help make thinking and talking math more natural for children. Even setting aside just 10 minutes a week for this play can greatly enhance a child's motivation, retention, and curiosity of math concepts. It will become 10 minutes that you both look forward to each week.
4. Create a weekly pattern
Grab a piece of paper and Sharpie and then create a pattern from number, shapes, letters, (or a combination). It will then be up to your children to figure out what kind of pattern you have created (growing, or repeating usually) so that they can correctly continue the pattern. This can be a great conversation starter during breakfast time too. Be sure to reveal the secrets of your pattern at the end of the week!
5. Guess my Number
This one is excellent for those longer car rides or when you get stuck in traffic on the way to sports practice. Think of a number in the hundreds and then give your children 20 guesses to try to figure out that number. They can only ask you yes or no questions. After playing this a few times, it should encourage them to ask more thoughtful questions, such as, "Is your number even?", "Does your number round to 700?", and "Is your number greater than 650?"
4. Create a weekly pattern
Grab a piece of paper and Sharpie and then create a pattern from number, shapes, letters, (or a combination). It will then be up to your children to figure out what kind of pattern you have created (growing, or repeating usually) so that they can correctly continue the pattern. This can be a great conversation starter during breakfast time too. Be sure to reveal the secrets of your pattern at the end of the week!
5. Guess my Number
This one is excellent for those longer car rides or when you get stuck in traffic on the way to sports practice. Think of a number in the hundreds and then give your children 20 guesses to try to figure out that number. They can only ask you yes or no questions. After playing this a few times, it should encourage them to ask more thoughtful questions, such as, "Is your number even?", "Does your number round to 700?", and "Is your number greater than 650?"
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