Family Math: Fun At-home Math Activities

Implementing fun math activities into a family's schedule not only teaches children important math skills, but it also helps the entire family develop an appreciation of and enjoyment for this important skill.

Newspaper Math

• Find all of the numbers from one through 100 in the local paper. Cut out these numbers, them glue them on a sheet of paper in their proper order. This activity helps with counting and number recognition.
• Look for specific number ranges such as all of the numbers between 20 and 50. Your children can look for odd numbers, even numbers, prime numbers, multiples of three, etc. The possibilities are endless.
• Newspaper advertisements and coupons can help teach the skill of budgeting.

You can look through grocery ads together, making a list of all the items you need to buy. See if kids can locate which stores sell each of these items for the lowest cost.

Grocery Store Math

• Ask for help weighing the produce. Ask your child to estimate how much each item weighs, then check these estimations.
• Have your child keep a tally as you pick up items, and see how well they've added prices and estimated total cost when you get to the checkout. This exercise is for children who have already grasped the concept of addition. Start with a small amount of purchases, then gradually work your way up to larger-sized shopping trips.

Traveling Math

• Search for numbers while you drive. Ask children to find the numbers one through 10, 20, 30, 40 etc. from license plates, street signs, addresses, even billboards. They can also include numbers that are spelled out.
• When on longer car rides have your child estimate how far you've traveled, how many more miles to your destination, and how long it's going to take you. This can teach them to estimate time and distance.

Math Games

Games that use math skills include Yahtzee, dominoes, checkers, cards, and Connect Four. Many popular games use math skills. After playing such games, discuss any skills you may have used. You may be surprised that you use math so often, even with fun activities like games. Math games can be played online as well, and many PC games also incorporate math concepts.