OWNERSHIP of materials is important to young children. Here are some math tools that children can "own" and use in person or online.
MATH OFFICE
Tape two file folders together for each child. Glue copies of math concepts you are working on to the folders. For example, a hundreds chart, days of the week, months of the year, shapes, and so forth. Use a pipe cleaner and pony beads to make an abacus you can attach at the top.
Children can set these up on their table or desk when it's time for math to help them focus.
*You could also use a pocket folder to make a math office. Children put worksheets they need to complete on the left and then put them on the right when they are finished.
MATH BOX
Encourage families to create a special math box for their child to explore materials and make up their own games at home.
Use a pencil box, bag, diaper wipe box, etc. and put manipulatives similar to the ones below in the box:
Dice
- Math cards (1-10 or 10-20)
- Math fans (http://www.senteacher.org/print/mathematics/)
- Deck of cards
- Rekenrek
- Inexpensive calculators
- Counting items with a small cup
- Set of tangrams
- Dot cards
- Small Calendars
- Dice
- Measuring tape
*Hint! Most of these items can be found at a dollar store.