Make Abacus Waffles

Combine the most important meal of the day with some tactile math: create abacus waffles! Here's an activity to help your child boost her energy and her math skills. Use fresh berries to make patterns in the grooves of waffles, and give your child a nutritious way to get some "berry good" hands-on practice with patterning and counting.

What You Need:

• Assorted fresh berries such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries
• Box of frozen waffles (allow 1 to 2 waffles per person)
• Blueberry or other flavored syrup (optional)
• Serving bowls
• Spoon
• Toaster plates

What to Do:

1. Have your child place the blueberries or other fresh berries in a serving bowl. Set aside.
2. Heat the frozen waffles in the toaster according to package directions. Make as many waffles per person as desired. Remove waffles carefully and place them on a plate.
3. Encourage him to look at the rows of holes or compartments in the waffles, and then place one berry in the first square on the left, in the first row.
4. Then, have him place two berries in the first two squares of the second row.
5. Next, he can place three berries in the first three squares of the third row. Urge him to continue adding the blueberries according to the numbers until all the rows have some berries.
6. Pour syrup on the waffles before eating, if desired.

Berry designs can be made in any pattern in the waffle holes. Let your child create her own pattern by using different types of berries or alternating the berries and colors!