Series: Ideas at Work
Real-World Math Activities for Kids in the Early Years
Teachers and adults can try out and discuss math activities for kids in the classroom and at home. The Ideas at Work series aims to highlight real-world examples of adults finding the math in activities, games, and everyday life.
Series: Ideas at Work
What Do We Mean by Counting Principles and What Do Early Childhood Educators Need to Know?
January 23, 2024
Counting is a part of young children’s everyday life. They love to count everything from the stairs they climb to the crackers they eat. But what is counting? To adults, counting seems very simple, but…
Series: Ideas at Work February 22, 2023
What is a Number Path and How Does It Build Number Relationships?
Many of children’s favorite board games follow a path to a goal. Exploring a number path with young children also leads to a goal that is critical for early mathematics: understanding number relationships. What is…
- Topic: Number Sense, Counting
- Age/Grade Level: Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st Grade
- Tags Games
Series: Ideas at Work June 6, 2022
How to Use Digital Photos to Build a Mathematical Language Routine for Kids
It turns out that mathematical thinking is developed in conversation with others; asking students “how do you know that?” will reveal a child’s mathematical reasoning skills. The ability to explain one’s thinking is a cognitive…
- Topic: Sets, Number Sense
- Age/Grade Level: Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade
- Tags English Language Learner, Number Talks
Series: Ideas at Work April 14, 2021
DIY Rekenrek Ideas for Home and School
To encourage teachers and other adults to use rekenreks, it's important to not only go over ways to use a rekenrek, but also we thought we would make sure everyone has opportunities to have them,…
- Topic: Number Sense, Counting
- Age/Grade Level: Pre-K, Kindergarten
- Tags Subitizing, Rekenrek
Series: Ideas at Work January 26, 2021
3 Ways to See Mathematical Structure in Everyday Kitchen Math
Cooking with kids is a natural way to do math together. But we're not talking about turning meal preparation into a formal math lesson. Cooking together presents an opportunity that is more about noticing and…
- Topic: Pattern, Measurement
- Age/Grade Level: Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade
- Tags Family Math
Series: Ideas at Work October 14, 2020
Chores for Kids Can Help Them Find Math Around the House
With young children at home, there’s always cleaning to be done. So why not include them in completing the chores? Chores can engage everyone in the household in a little “math all around us” problem-solving.
- Topic: Precursor Concepts, Spatial Relationships
- Age/Grade Level: Infants, Toddlers, Pre-K, Kindergarten
- Tags Family Math
Series: Ideas at Work September 11, 2020
Homemade Playdough Recipe for Shape Fun
Stamping or imprinting with a homemade playdough recipe using everyday household items is an active way for children to explore the big ideas of shape.
- Topic: Precursor Concepts, Shape
- Age/Grade Level: Infants, Toddlers, Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st Grade
- Tags Family Math
Series: Ideas at Work July 29, 2020
Putting Groceries Away is Hands-on Shape Activity for Young Children
Putting groceries away is necessary work for families. Sharing this work with our children turns an everyday task into a hands-on shape activity.
- Topic: Shape
- Age/Grade Level: Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st Grade
- Tags Family Math, En Español
Series: Ideas at Work July 13, 2020
Taking Math Out for a Spin: Outside Activities for Kids That Have Math
Warm weather and more daylight hours mean now is a great time to take advantage of outdoor spaces. There are so many ways to incorporate math into your child’s outside activity.
- Topic: Measurement, Spatial Relationships
- Age/Grade Level: Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade
- Tags Play, Family Math
Series: Ideas at Work May 27, 2020
Math at Your Fingertips: Songs and Fingerplays for Preschoolers
Do you remember enjoying fingerplay songs like 5 Little Monkeys or Un Elefante Se Balanceaba when you were young? You may not have realized that sharing these songs is a great way to bring math…
- Topic: Number Sense, Counting
- Age/Grade Level: Pre-K, Kindergarten
- Tags Gesture, Games, Family Math, En Español
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