by Kathy Stemke

Created on: July 18, 2008

Pre-school and elementary school age children are eager to learn math skills at home with fun activities. Coming from an elementary, as well as physical education background, I not only use conventional math games, but I also use math games that involve large motor skills. Your children can jump and hop as they learn math. Young children love to move, so when you combine math and movement, you're sure to have a winner!

BEACH BALL MATH requires you to section off a ball into many squares with a marker. Each square houses a math problem. You toss the ball to your child, and when they catch it, they answer the problem under their thumb. For young children the problem can be as simple as identifying numbers or shapes, and for older children it can be a way of practicing addition, subtraction, multiplication or division facts.

MATH TOSS is a favorite game for all ages. Paint and number shapes on a large foam board. In each shape, cut a hole big enough for a small beanbag to fit through easily. Being sure not to cover the holes, glue or staple the board to a large cardboard box. Your child tosses a beanbag into two of the holes and either adds, subtracts or multiplies the numbers together. Younger children can just identify the numbers or shapes. They can toss a beanbag into the even or odd numbers only.

SKIP JUMP MATH is a favorite game for young children. Using lighter colored vinyl, cut out shapes, put a number on each one with a marker, and tape them to the floor. Your child can jump from shape to shape, saying each number as they land. The children can skip count by 1's, 2's, 3's,etc. They can jump in ascending or descending order. Skip jumping is a great way to introduce multiplication. Use two feet, one foot or jump from hands to feet.

SEWING SHAPES is a great craft and math activity when your child is ready for a rest. Using colorful poster board, draw a (6"-8") circle, square, rectangle, triangle, and trapezoid. If possible, encourage your child to cut them out with safety scissors. Write the name of each shape on one side and the color name on the other side with a pencil. Have your child trace each name and color. Then punch holes around the perimeter of each shape about 1" apart. Count the sides on each shape or count the holes around the perimeter. Using a large needle and yarn, have your child sew around each shape. If they're ready, introduce the concept of the perimeter. The yarn could be an inchworm moving around the perimeter of the shape. They can

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