Hobbies And Interests
Chutes and Ladders
The classic Chutes and Ladders game is a great way to help preschoolers learn basic mathematics concepts such as number recognition and counting. Children ages 3 and older will enjoy the colorful board that encourages them to think mathematically and recognize numbers up to 100 to win. Older preschoolers and children in kindergarten may want to try some basic addition to figure out how many spaces are needed to get to a ladder or recover from being sent down a chute. This math game features illustrations of children as game pieces, or in a variety of favorite children's character themes.
Memory
Kids can make their own version of the memory game for learning many mathematical concepts. Start with at least two pieces of construction paper. Place one piece of paper on top of the other and use scissors to cut into equal-sized squares. After the cutting is complete you should have several pairs of square cards. Ask the child to write a number on each pair of cards with a crayon. Some children may not be able to write the number completely by themselves. You can lightly write it first in pencil, then ask the child to trace over the number with a crayon. Turn the finished cards over. Have the child turn over one card, say the number, then look for its match by turning over a second card. If he does not find it, start over and try again. The fewer cards used, the easier the game will be for the child. As the child begins to make matches, place the pairs face up where he can see the numbers. When the game is over review all of the numbers. This game will help preschoolers build number recognition skills while developing basic memory recall abilities.
Hopscotch
Hopscotch is an easy way for younger children to learn about math while getting physically active. Find a smooth outdoor concrete area such as a patio, porch or yard walkway. Make sure the area is far from traffic and avoid using sidewalks or other walkways near a road. Use sidewalk chalk to draw a traditional hopscotch board. Create numbered blocks in a pattern of one square, two squares, one square, two squares and so on until you have reached 10 in total. Ask the child to write the numbers 1 through 10 in each block starting at the first one. The numbers should be in consecutive order. Give the child a small beanbag or other similar object to use as a marker. The child can gently toss the beanbag to the number 1, then hop to the first square. Traditionally this game is played by hopping on one foot, but a 3- or 4-year-old may need to use both feet to hop. Repeat for each number. Make sure the child correctly identifies each number as she counts up to 10.
Building Blocks
Wooden, rubber, or plastic building blocks can easily be turned into an entertaining and educational game for children ages 3 through 5. In its position statement on Early Childhood Mathematics, the National Association for the Education of Young Children discusses the importance of block building games in the development of mathematics learning areas such as symmetry and geometry. Start with a variety of shapes and sizes of blocks. Ask the child to sort the shapes into squares, rectangles and more. Next, have the child explore symmetry by trying to build a structure that looks the same on both sides. Finally, the child can experiment with the engineering aspects of math by creating a small tower or other architectural structure.