Math: Magnet Fishing

Objectives Materials Method

Learning to read Magnetic numbers Make a fishing rod using the Popsicle stick, the string, and the paper
the numeral Popsicle stick clip.
String
Giant paperclip Using the fishing rod, “fish” for the numbers.

Once a number has been “caught,” help the child read the number.
Math: Shape Matching
Objectives Materials Method
Learning the Shapes (such as Place the paper in a pile where all the different shapes are mixed up.
names of some square, circle,
basic shapes triangle, star, Have the child select a shape.
rectangle, oval,
Learning to diamond, heart) cut
match identical Help them find shapes that match.
out of different
objects colored paper
Have them say the name of the shape as they find matching shapes.
Math: Smaller versus Bigger
Objectives Materials Method
Learning to Find sets of the Set out the middle object from one set.
distinguish same object where
between smaller you have three Pull out the corresponding smaller item and ask, "is this one bigger or
and bigger sizes (one small,
smaller?"
one large, and one
in-between)
If they can't identify it, give them the answer.

Then pull out the largest item and ask, "Is this one smaller or bigger?"

Again, help as needed.

Continue with a few sets of objects until child can identify the smaller
and larger objects correctly.
Math: Lego Stud Counting
Objectives Materials Method
Learn that Legos or Mega Show the child how to count the number of studs on a Lego Piece.
objects can be Bloks
counted Have the child point to each stud and count with you.

Point out that there are four or six studs on that Lego piece.

Repeat with Lego pieces which have different numbers of studs.

Math: Popsicle Stick Shapes
Objectives Materials Method
Is able to Sticky Velcro Place sticky velcro on either end of popsicle sticks (some of the same
distinguish side and some of the opposite sides but always on either end).
Popsicle sticks
various basic
shapes Show the child how to stick the popsicle sticks together.

Is able to Show the child how to make shapes and then let them play.
construct
various basic Repeat the names of the shapes over and over.
shapes
Math: Dominoes
Objectives Materials Method
Learning to Dominoes Place a domino on the table.
match identical (either the original
things thing or you could Help your child find a domino with a side possessing the same number
make them out of of dots and link them together by placing the two sides with the same
paper) number of dots touching.

Continue this and make a long windy path.

Help the child count the number of dots as they play this game.
Math: Gluing Squares
Objectives Materials Method
Learning about Cut squares in Talk about the shape of the squares – even though they are different
squares: Four various sizes and colors they all have four sides.
equal sides colors from
makes a construction paper Let child decide where and how to glue. (give minimal assistance with
square. Glue stick the glue as necessary)
Math: Big and Small
Objectives Materials Method
Learning the Two objects: one Point to the large ball and say slowly and distinctly, “This is big.” Repeat
difference large, one small until the child understands the concept. Point to the small ball and say,
between big and (e.g. a big and small “This is small.” Again, repeat until your child understands. (recognizes
small ball) new object, concept, or idea)

Ask the child, “Can you give me the big one?” “Can you give me the
small one?” If your child can do this go to step three, if not, go back to
step one. (recognizes the differences at a concrete level)

Point to the object and ask, “Which one is this?” Again if your child has
difficulty, go back to step two. (Recognizes the differences at an
abstract level)

Similarly, other concepts can be taught: tall-short, wide-narrow, light-

heavy, smooth-rough, soft-hard-etc., using the appropriate objects.
Math: Block Stacking
Objectives Materials Method
Learning to 15 Blocks Write each number from 1 to 5 on a separate piece of paper.
count objects
Using your child's hand, count one block and put it on the paper that
says 1.

Then, using your child's hand, count two blocks and put them on the
paper that says 2. Repeat with your child: 1....2.

Then again, using your child's hand, count three blocks and put them
on the paper that says 3. Repeat with your child: 1....2....3.

Repeat until 5.

You can keep counting the blocks with your child until there are either
bored or understand the concept.
Math: Longer and Shorter Rods
Objectives Materials Method
Learning the A series of rods (or Have the rods in a pile on the floor.
concept of something similar)
longer and which are of varying Have your child select a rod.
shorter lengths
Now ask them to find a rod which is longer? Help them if they do not
understand. Explain why it is longer.

Repeat this until they understand what a longer rod is.

Now repeat the exercise with asking them to find a shorter rod.

Finally, you can ask them to find a longer rod and then ask them to find
a shorter rod to see if they understand the concept.
Math: Sorting Numbers and Shapes
Objectives Materials Method
Learn to Cut our shapes from Place the shapes and the numbers together in a pile.
categorize brightly colored
paper Have your child select an item from the pile. Place it in a another pile
Either cut out paper and tell them whether it is a number or a shape.
numbers or use
foam bath numbers Then have them select another item from the pile. If it is in the same
or something similar category as the previously selected object, place it with it and tell your
child why. Otherwise, put it in another pile.

Repeat until all the numbers and shapes are categorized.

Math: Counting Song
Objectives Materials Method
Learn the Pictures of the Teach your child a rhyming song, such as “1,2, buckle my shoe, 3,4,
numbers objects mentioned knock at the door,...”
in the song
Learn a rhyming
song
Math: Shape Matching
Objectives Materials Method
Learn the Paper On a piece of paper, with brightly colored crayons draw a series of
names of some Crayons shapes (square, heart, star, circle, triangle, etc) down the one side.
basic shapes
Then on the other side draw the same shapes in different colors and in
Learn to match a different order.
similar objects
Have your child pick a shape.

Ask them what the name of the shape is. If they don't know, tell them
and have them repeat it.

Help your child find the shape that is similar to the one they picked.

Draw a line (or help your child draw a line) from one shape to the other.

Repeat until you have done it with all the shapes.

Math: Shapes around the House
Objectives Materials Method
Learn the Cut out some Remind your child what the name of each shape is.
names of some shapes (circle,
basic shapes square, rectangle, Go around the house looking for objects that have that same shape.
oval, etc) from some
brightly colored Encourage them to find other objects and to show you throughout the
paper day.
Math: Shape Puzzles
Objectives Materials Method
Learn some On 2x5 cards, draw Mix up all the puzzle pieces.
basic shapes one shape (circle,
square, rectangle, Help your child complete the puzzles.
oval, etc) per card
and then cut the Help them identify the shapes as they complete the puzzles.
cards. You can cut
them in half or in
any way to create a
puzzle.
Math: Counting Game
Objectives Materials Method
Learning to Large piece of Divide the large piece of paper into sections with each set of items in a
count objects paper different section.
Different numbers of
different objects (1 Start at a random set of items and have your child count the items.
of one thing, two of
another thing, three Help them figure out which card with the corresponding number on it
of another, and so goes with those items.
on)
Cards with the Repeat.
corresponding
numbers of them
Math: GeoBoard
Objectives Materials Method
Learn the basic Make a geoboard by Demonstrate how to create a square or a triangle using a rubber band.
shapes hammering nails
into a piece of Help them do it.
wood.
Rubber Bands Show them different sized squares and triangles, as well as different
types of triangles.
Math: Velcro Shape Puzzle
Objectives Materials Method
Learn the basic A piece of card Draw 4 triangles, 4 circles, and 4 squares on a piece of card. Make
shapes Velcro sure they are the same as the ones you cut out of the card.
4 Triangles, 4
Matching Circles, and 4 Place the Velcro on the cardboard in the shapes you drew and on the
identical objects Squares cut out of the shapes you cut out of card.
card
Help your child to complete the puzzle by matching triangles on
triangles, circles on circles, and squares on squares.
Math: Number Dots
Objectives Materials Method
Associate the Five 2x5 cards On the left hand side of all the 2x5 cards write the numbers 1 to 5 so
number of dots Sharpie that each card has a number. Make the number large enough to fill that
with the numeral Scissors side of the card.

On the other side of the 2x5 cards, draw dots. One dot on the card that
says 1. Two dots on the card that says 2, and so on.

Cut the cards in half. Cut in a zig zag line or a along a curvy line to
make it more interesting and make them seem like puzzle pieces.

Lay the cards out and help your child match which go together. Count
the number of dots and help them find the corresponding number.
Math: Pipe Cleaner Counting
Objectives Materials Method
Learning to Card Write 1 to 10 across the top of the card.
count objects 10 Pipe cleaners cut
in half Tape a piece of pipe cleaner under each number. Tape it at the top so
Learn the Beads that it can lift up.
numbers Sharpie
Cup Place the beads in the cup and have your child place the right number
of beads on the pipe cleaner according to the number written above.

Once completed have your child count the beads to check that they are
correct.
Math: Roll and Color
Objectives Materials Method
Associate the Paper On a piece of paper draw six circles (the size of quarters). Number
number of dots Sharpie them from 1 to 6.
with the numeral Die
Crayons Have your child throw the die and then color in the corresponding
circle.

Have them throw the die again and repeat the activity. When they throw
a number of a circle they have already colored in, have them state what
number is displayed on the die and continue.
Math: Shape Matching
Objectives Materials Method
Knows the basic Different colored Place two sticks together and on both sticks draw a circle, where half of
shapes markers the circle is on one stick and the other half on the other stick.
Craft sticks (lollipop
sticks) Repeat this with more shapes: square, rectangle, triangle, oval, heart,
star. Make each shape a different color.

Have half of the sticks lined up on a flat surface, while you mix up the
remaining sticks.

Ask your child to pick up a stick and encourage them to place it next to
the stick that matches the shape and color of the stick they have.

Repeat with all the sticks.

Math: Beanbag Number Jumping
Objectives Materials Method
Learn the Chalk On the sidewalk write the numbers from 1 to 5.
numbers Beanbag
Now throw the beanbag onto a number. Say the number and jump to it.

Pass the beanbag to your child and help them do the same.

Then they pass the beanbag to you and you repeat until you have
jumped on all the numbers.
Math: Bingo
Objectives Materials Method
Associate the Two pieces of paper On each piece of paper draw a table with 2 rows and 3 columns.
number of dots Counters
with the numeral Die In each block write one number between 1 and 6.

Have your child throw the die.

Help them count the dots on the face and find the number on the piece
of paper and place a counter over the number.

Now you throw the die and place a counter over the number you threw.

Repeat until all the numbers have been covered.

Math: Pom-pom Numbers
Objectives Materials Method
Knows the Paper On the paper write the numbers 1, 2, and 3. Make them quite large.
representation Pom-poms
of numbers Give your child the pom-poms and show them how to place the pom-
poms on the numbers so that they cover the writing and the pom-poms
form the numbers.

Encourage them to do it alone.

Math: Muffin Counting
Objectives Materials Method
Learning to 6 paper muffin cups In each muffin cup write a number from 4 to 8.
count objects Buttons (or other
small objects) Have your child count four buttons.
Learn the Sharpie
numbers Ask them to find the muffin cup which has the number 4 written in it and
have them place the four buttons in the muffin cup.

Repeat this with the remaining buttons and muffin cups.

Math: Number Stamps
Objectives Materials Method
Learn the Foam number Glue the non-sticky side of the number onto the bottle top and peel
numbers stickers away the white backing on the number.
10 plastic bottle tops
Paint Place some paint on the sponges.
Sponges
Paper Demonstrate to your child how to press the bottle top face down into
the sponge so that the number is covered in paint.

Now press the bottle top on the paper.

Have your child experiment. Each time they pick up a number, have
them say what number they are picking up.
Math: Playdough Numbers
Objectives Materials Method
Learn the Playdough Let your child play with playdough and number cookie cutters.
numbers Number Cookie
Cutters Practice saying the name of the number.
Math: Rolling the Die
Objectives Materials Method
Associate the Die Have your child roll the die and then count the number of dots on the
number of dots face.
with the numeral
Help them understand that the number of dots represents a particular
number.

Keep rolling the die and counting the dots. This can be continued until
they start to recognize that four dots represents the number 4 without
having to count.
Math: Create a Picture
Objectives Materials Method
Learning to Different colored Cut multiple shapes from different colored paper, such as 5 stars, 4
count objects paper rectangles, 6 circles, and so on.
Glue
Help your child use the shapes to make a picture, such as green
rectangles along the bottom of the page to form grass, or a yellow circle
and rectangles to form a sun.

As you and your child glue the shapes to the paper, count the number
of repeated shapes you use.
Math: Tracing Numbers
Objectives Materials Method
Learn the Paper On a piece of paper write a number using dots. Make several copies.
numbers Marker
Crayon Help your trace the number with the crayon. Do this as many times as
needed.

When they are ready, have them trace the number by themselves.
Math: Blocks in a Shape
Objectives Materials Method
Is able to Foam Cut the foam into about ten 2 inch squares.
construct Scissors
various basic Marker On the paper form shapes using 5 to 10 of the squares and trace
shapes Paper around them. For instance, you might make an H or an L or any other
shape.

For each shape, give your child the right number of squares and ask
them: “Can you fit these squares into the shape?” You may need to
show your child how to do a few.
Math: Explore Symmetry
Objectives Materials Method
Learn about Paper Fold the paper in half.
symmetry Paint
On the one side, have your child place some paint.

Now fold the paper in half. Before opening the paper, ask your child
what they think will happen.

Open the paper and show them how the paint appears on both sides.
The image is now symmetrical.

Now place some more paint on the paper. Fold and ask them what they
think will happen.

Open the paper and point out how the image is symmetrical and that it
looks the same on both sides.

Repeat until the paper is covered with paint.

Math: Ziplock Numbers
Objectives Materials Method
Developing a Ziplock Bag Cut five small (2”) circles from the card.
basic concept of Marker
addition Card Place them in the ziplock bag.
Scissors
Using the marker, draw a line down the center of the bag.

Place all the circles on the one side of the line and have your child
count the circles.

Now move on circle to the other side of the line. Have your child count
how many are on each side of the line and how many circles there are
in total.

Repeat after moving another circle to the other side of the line so that
there are three on one side and two on the other.

Keep moving the circles and have your child count. The goal is to have
them realize that 4 circles and 1 circle makes up 5 circles, but so do 2
circles and 3 circles.
Math: Explore 1 and 2
Objectives Materials Method
Learn the Paper With the marker, outline the number 1. On another piece of paper,
numbers Maker outline the number 2.
Crayons
Multiple identical Have your child color in the numbers.
objects (such as
pasta, stones, toy Now have the objects you have selected be placed around the house.
cars, pens, cups)
Together with your child go and find the objects. Say something like,
“This is one pen.” If you encounter two pens, say, “There are two pens.”

Place the one pen with the number 1. Place the two pens with the
number 2.

Continue looking for the objects and again, if you find two cups, say,
“Two cups.”

Ask your child which number (1 or 2) the two cups go with.

When you encounter more objects, ask your child how many of the
object there are and with which number they should place the objects.
Math: Pipe Cleaner Numbers
Objectives Materials Method
Learn the Pipe cleaners Place five beads on a pipe cleaner and then have your child count how
numbers Beads many beads there are.

Now separate one of the beads from the others so that there four and
one beads.

Have your child count the beads. Tell them that four and one make five.

Repeat by separating two of the beads.

Math: Coin Puzzle
Objectives Materials Method
Matching the Various sized coins Place the coins on the paper and trace around the coins.
same sizes Paper
Marker Put the coins in a pile.

Have your child select a coin and figure out where it goes. Repeat with
all the coins.