Blocks provide hands-on experiences where children can develop math concepts as they play. Take a look at all these standards you can reinforce with blocks.
Sorting
Can they sort like blocks together? Can they regroup the blocks by another attribute?
Numerical Order
Write numerals 0-10 on 2 ½” x 5” pieces of paper and attach to blocks. Can they put the blocks in order?
Sets and Numerals
Write numerals, number words, and sets on blocks for children to match.
Roll and Stack
Children take one or two dice and roll. They select that number of blocks and stack them as tall as they can.
Counting
How many blocks can you stack? Can you count that high?
Math Signs
Write inequality signs, =, +, and – on pieces of paper and attach to blocks. Children can build equations and practice addition and subtraction with the numeral blocks and signs.
Liquid Measurement
Write “cup” on two square blocks. Write “pint” on a rectangular block. How many cups in a pint?
Fractions
What would happen if you cut the square block in half? What would happen if you cut the rectangular block in half? How many ways can you make the square block? Rectangular block?
Measure Up
Children lay on the floor as friends take unit blocks and measure how many blocks long they are. Use different size blocks and compare.
Graphing – Have children draw their faces on 2 ½”” squares. Tape to blocks. Use for comparing and graphing.
For example: You could have a picture of a bus, feet, and a car. Children place their block under the way they travel to school. Which one is more? Less? How can we tell for sure?
Block Book
Cut small shapes out of construction paper to represent the different unit blocks. Glue these to a file folder to make structures similar to the ones shown. Hole punch to create a book. Children look at the drawings and then try to duplicate them with blocks.
