Ten Ways to Make Math Fun

Try to make math fun for your child. If you can make math practice into a game, it will be more enjoyable for everyone. Here are a few basic skills for you to work on with your child.

1. Addition and subtraction facts. Use flash cards if you have them. Use a deck of playing cards – draw two or three cards and add the values of them. Take turns with your child. Set a goal number and whoever reaches it first wins. You will probably come up with other ideas yourself.
2. Practice counting by 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, 5’s, and 10’s to 100.
3. Practice adding 1 more, 2 more, subtracting 1 less, 2 less in your head. Start out with easy numbers and work up to harder ones.
4. Practice adding and subtracting with 10 or more in your head. Again, start out with easy problems and work up to more difficult ones.
5. Practice counting money. Figure how much snacks will cost. Figure change coming back. Practice counting back change.
6. Practice telling time (on a digital and a non-digital clock).
7. Get a tape measure, yard stick, meter stick, ruler, or anything that is marked for measuring length. Measure items outside. See how far your child can throw a ball, etc. Make it a game or contest.
8. Get out a recipe and have your child help you cook. See if they can double a recipe or divide it in half.
9. If you are traveling, predict how long it will take to reach your destination.
10. Have your child look at a road map and help plot your trip.