This post about making math concepts fun is brought to you by a bonified, tried and true,
math weakling. I'm talking weakling like the kid with the stick arms and legs, barely able to catch the numbers tossed her way...much less able to lift the pluses and minuses and throw them back--underhanded, of course!
So, this idea of making math concepts FUN is right up my alley!
When it was time for me to figure out a good subject to teach elementary kids at our homeschool co-op, the idea of Math Games actually sounded like a fun thing to teach! And learn!
This idea isn't just for homeschoolers, though. Math Games can be played by all kids. These are great, hands-on activities that will help introduce some beginning math concepts the old-fashioned way (not electronically? Gasp!!) These games also might just give you a quiet moment to do the dishes...or dust the furniture read blogs!!
I'm right in the middle of teaching this class, so I hope to share more fun ideas in the weeks to come!
Today, I'm going to share with you 4 games to introduce the concept of Patterns.
1) Pattern Stations
2) Life-Size Patterns
3) Can U Sudoku?
4) Make Your Own Patterns
Speaking of old fashioned, here is a picture of our class syllabus, to show you an overview of the other concepts...
1) Pattern Stations- I just found objects around the house that I thought would be FUN (there's that word again!) to play with... plastic snakes, crayons, colored note cards, money, plastic bugs...anything you have enough of to create a repeating pattern.
I set up stations with the different objects in a repeating pattern. The kids were in charge of figuring out how to continue the pattern.
Example with money:
Or, the kids' FAVORITE pattern...SNAKES!!!!!!!!
(I purchased these for $1 in the cheap, flimsy toy area of Wal-Mart (you know which area, right?)
HELPFUL HINT....If your kids are struggling to find out the pattern, have them call out the objects. Sometimes, if they say the objects out loud, their brain helps them process which item is next.
2) Life-Size Patterns - If you have enough kids (and some of you do! *grin*), it's fun to line the kids up in a pattern, and have the younger ones try to figure out the pattern...boy, girl, boy, girl....or short, tall, short, tall... You can get creative here! Or--have the kids line up in their own pattern and have YOU guess! (If you don't have enough kids, use stuffed animals and kids...or apples and kids...You can also have practical teachable moments around the house--like when folding laundry...shirt, underwear, sock, shirt, underwear... The ideas are limitless with patterns!) Remember--it's all about making patterns FUN!
3) Can U Sudoku? - This is a Math Game where I learned something! I don't typically play sudoku, but when I play this with the kids--I have a ball!!! To help facilitate learning the patterns of sudoku, I made a huge, hands-on game board. (in an easy 4x4 grid)
Here are pics to illustrate how I made the game grid:
Each grid takes up approx. 1/4 of a poster board. (Fold poster board in half one direction and cut, then fold the other direction and cut.) I marked off squares that were 2 1/2". Sharpie the finished grid and cut out.
Now it's time to make the number squares
You'll need white AND a colored note card. Cut out a note card to fit the square. (just cut off some of the length.) The colored note cards will represent the given numberson the grid. Plain note cards will be numbered 1-4, and will be the ones your kids fill in.
At this point, print off some EASY sudoku puzzles off the internet. They will need to be 4x4 in order to work on your grid. Here are a couple to try: 1, 2, 3.
Now, place your numbered color cards to match a printed sudoku puzzle of your choice. It's time to have FUN playing alongside your child, and helping her discover the patterns of the game!
It's a good idea to print off the SOLUTION...makes checking the puzzle easier!
You know, there are plenty of online sudoku puzzles...But the goal of this game was to do it HANDS-ON.
4) Make your own patterns! - This is where the kids really have FUN. It's also where you can check their understanding of the concept. Provide FUN materials for the kids to make patterns with...again, plastic snakes sure are a favorite!
Also, as you're riding in the car, or walking in your neighborhood, ask your kids if they see any patterns? There are patterns all over God's creation, and your kids will have a blast pointing them out, as they learn the concept!
Remember--the point of all of these Math Games is FUN. Introducing the concept in such a fun way, that when the worksheets and assignments come later, there is a little golden fun seed planted way back in the brain...that, just maybe, will blossom with a smile of recognition later.
Now, hop on over to Kristen's We Are That Family for more Works For Me Wednesday ideas!!!
