Starting with mental math basics will give your child the confidence to take on longer, more complex problems. This activity is a great starting point because it is quick, easy and involves only simple addition facts.
If a picture's worth a thousand words, how many numbers is it worth? Break out some old newspapers and magazines and let your kid find out, by creating her very own counting book!
More activities for math:
Coin Connection: A Patterning Game
Lots of everyday objects can be fun, whether it's buttons, beans, or LEGO blocks. Here's an activity that uses coins to build problem-solving strategies.
Cut This Calendar!
First grade math includes lots of work with two-digit numbers. Here is a great activity for early in the year, to practice recognizing and sequencing numbers from 1-30.
Show Me the Money!: A Math Guessing Game
Does your child know the difference between a penny and a dime? Can she count by fives (nickels) and tens (dimes)? For a hands-on guessing game that helps kids identify money, try this!
Play the Shape Twister Game
Young kids love bright colors and shapes. This silly game combines shapes, color, and motion--to teach core first grade skills. It's kind of like Twister...with a twist!
Play Popsicle Math
Now that it's first grade, "Math Facts" are here. This year, you can expect addition and some subtraction. Worried? Don't be. This is a time to explore lots of fun ways to develop new skills. Here's a hands-on activity that classroom teachers use to help kids get a feel for equations.
Count by 5s Without Losing Your Marbles!
Back in kindergarten, your child probably spent lots of time counting things one by one. But now that first grade is here, he'll need to be able to count in groups, and especially by fives. This activity makes math fun, with treasure that comes in clusters!
Oatmeal Pancakes: Cooking with Fractions
Admit it. Sometimes you just don't feel like rolling out of bed in the morning. Well, with Mother's Day, Father's Day, and a host of other excuses (er, holidays) on the calendar, letting your kids make breakfast in bed every now and then seems only fair. Plus, it helps them practice fractions!
Be an Estimation Sensation
Great estimators are made, not born. Here's an activity to make your child an estimation master.
Make a Ladybug Storyboard!
Does it bug you that math isn't more fun? Teachers have been using flannel boards for years, to make stories sing. Now, you can make your own version of the flannel board, and help bring math to life!
Make a Flag...and Practice Counting!
It's Independence Day! Why not add some red, white, and blue to your life, and give your kid some practice with a major math concept...counting to 100 independently. A little independence is a good thing...especially in time for July 4th!
