Cookie Challenge: For my older children, I provide them the recipe, then ask them to double or triple it. They need to work through the math, then they get to apply it. Another challenge is to only provide a 1/3 measuring cup & a 1/4 measuring cup and let them figure it out.
M & M Cookie Equations: I like to put M&M's in cookies and make number sentences with them. For example, we use green M&M's for the numbers in an unsolved equation and red for the solution. It's up to the kids to figure out how to make the sentence make sense- it could be addition, subtraction, multiplication or even division- and sometimes a combo to make it more challenging for my older kids. We usually just play a couple rounds and then enjoy eating them, just make sure everyone has clean hands. You can also mix it up by providing the solution and and asking kids to solve for the unknown variable.
Multiplying to Make Balanced Cookie Plates: Since one of my children is just learning his multiplication facts, he's in charge of determining frosting colors- ex: we have 36 cookies. We are making up 4 plates for our neighbors. We have 3 colors for the sugar cookies and would like each plate to have an equal amount of the same colored cookies. It is SO much fun to see the spark that they get when you see them "get" the concept.
Wish List Estimation: We also use math a lot when they make their Christmas lists. We go to the store and they get to use their estimation and rounding skills. I also challenge them to estimate the objects sale price when applicable and then determine how much money they would have extra to spend in their budget versus buying the item at full price. It helps them understand not only budgeting, but gives them a real eye opener on the actual cost of items.
Sorting Ornaments: Finally, decorating the tree provides an abundance of math opportunities;) This year we have 2 trees of equal size in our living room. The kids were tasked with categorizing and sorting all the ornaments, then dividing them equally among the trees. They didn't even realize it was "math".
I also find it helpful, especially with my 2nd grader, not to announce that it's a "math" game, because with the boys I'm greeted with, "ugh, not MORE learning stuff,” rather I just say it's a game and we get to eat cookies when we are done, or "can you figure this out for me so everything will be equal and fair?"
Snowflake Suppositions: Incorporate geometry into making paper snowflakes, and you can also incorporate multiplication. I challenged my kiddos to predict how many of each shape they cut would appear in their snowflake based on the amount of times they folded it.
M & M Cookie Equations: I like to put M&M's in cookies and make number sentences with them. For example, we use green M&M's for the numbers in an unsolved equation and red for the solution. It's up to the kids to figure out how to make the sentence make sense- it could be addition, subtraction, multiplication or even division- and sometimes a combo to make it more challenging for my older kids. We usually just play a couple rounds and then enjoy eating them, just make sure everyone has clean hands. You can also mix it up by providing the solution and and asking kids to solve for the unknown variable.
Multiplying to Make Balanced Cookie Plates: Since one of my children is just learning his multiplication facts, he's in charge of determining frosting colors- ex: we have 36 cookies. We are making up 4 plates for our neighbors. We have 3 colors for the sugar cookies and would like each plate to have an equal amount of the same colored cookies. It is SO much fun to see the spark that they get when you see them "get" the concept.
Wish List Estimation: We also use math a lot when they make their Christmas lists. We go to the store and they get to use their estimation and rounding skills. I also challenge them to estimate the objects sale price when applicable and then determine how much money they would have extra to spend in their budget versus buying the item at full price. It helps them understand not only budgeting, but gives them a real eye opener on the actual cost of items.
Sorting Ornaments: Finally, decorating the tree provides an abundance of math opportunities;) This year we have 2 trees of equal size in our living room. The kids were tasked with categorizing and sorting all the ornaments, then dividing them equally among the trees. They didn't even realize it was "math".
I also find it helpful, especially with my 2nd grader, not to announce that it's a "math" game, because with the boys I'm greeted with, "ugh, not MORE learning stuff,” rather I just say it's a game and we get to eat cookies when we are done, or "can you figure this out for me so everything will be equal and fair?"
Snowflake Suppositions: Incorporate geometry into making paper snowflakes, and you can also incorporate multiplication. I challenged my kiddos to predict how many of each shape they cut would appear in their snowflake based on the amount of times they folded it.