Integrating math concepts into your kids’ playtime can be as easy as 1-2-3. Check out these toys and games to help make learning and practicing math skills fun at home.
Lakeshore Learning, a teachers’ supply store, has countless options for family math activities, including the Monopoly-inspired Allowance Game. Instead of “pass go and collect $200,” players stop at home to earn a $3 allowance as they circle the colorful board. Kids are challenged to manage this play allowance while stopping at game spaces. Buy a lemonade stand, donate a $1 to charity, collect interest from the bank and more. Designed for ages 5-11. $16.95. Available at Lakeshore Learning stores in King of Prussia, PA or Cherry Hill, NJ or at www.lakeshorelearning.com.
You can modernize traditional flash cards with Educational Insights’ MathShark, an electronic, portable handheld device. The Shark quizzes kids on addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals and percents. Best for 1st graders and older, the drills progress as kids master the basics. The “Help” key provides tips if your kid gets stuck. $42.99.
If your little one is just starting to learn numbers, consider Teach My activity kits from mom-entrepreneur Christy Cook, who says her lessons helped her son get a head start in school. The latest kit in the series, Teach My Preschooler, covers concepts in counting and simple math equations, along with reading and handwriting. Parents and kids can spend quality learning time together before your young student is off to school.
Stephanie Halinski is calendar editor of MetroKids.
