5 Fun Math Activities to Develop Number Sense and Fluency

Children have an unlimited amount of potential. Many children dream of what they will become when they grow up. Some aspire to be astronauts, scientists, doctors or teachers. Parents can help to encourage their children to explore all possibilities.

Proficiency in mathematics is a key that opens many doors for children. Math activities are not reserved only for the classroom. There are fun activities that families can do together to develop number sense and fluency. Here are five fun math activities that you can do with your child.

Recognizing numbers out of sequence

Being able to recall numbers out of sequence is a fundamental component to initial number fluency. Numbers are all around us, providing opportunities for kids to recognize numbers, such as the price on a clothing item or the house number in a street address. Parents can also play “I Spy” with numbers.

Telling time on an analog watch

More often than not these days, time is read on a digital clock. Using an analog watch that has numbers from 1 through 12 and moving hands enables children to be able to start thinking about the concept of fractions while learning how to tell time.

Calculating items for sale

A garage, stoop, or yard sale is a money-making opportunity to sell items you no longer need. Having a lemonade stand is another fun way for children to earn extra money. Adding up the items a person wants to buy is a good learning experience for children. Children can also practice their subtraction skills by making change for customers.

Tracking the temperature daily

Use a calendar to record the daily high temperature. You can review the numbers together and ask your child questions about the hottest and coolest days. Or, your child can calculate the differences in decimals between the daily temperatures. What is the difference between the high yesterday and the high today?

Calculating a tip in a restaurant

Having dinner in a restaurant is not only an occasion to spend quality time together, but it can also be a chance to practice math. When the bill comes and you need to calculate the tip, show your child how to find the answer using pencil and paper. If your child has learned how to calculate using percentages, she can apply this knowledge when you go out to eat.

If you’re looking for even more math enrichment, consider enrolling your child in Kumon, the world’s largest after-school math and reading program. Kumon unlocks the potential in each child by helping them strengthen math and reading skills, which boosts confidence and improves study habits, providing benefits that last a lifetime.

Description of Kumon Math Program
From counting to calculus and beyond, the Kumon Math Program enables students to progress all the way up through high-school level math. Our individualized worksheet lesson plan allows students to develop valuable math skills, such as mental calculation and how to calculate quickly and accurately. The Kumon Math Program keeps kids advancing and never limits their learning. Many Kumon students who start a bit behind not only catch up but advance to studying material ahead of their grade level. Topics covered in the program include: counting and number sequencing, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, order of operations, positive and negative numbers, solving equations, graphs, algebraic expressions, linear equations, inequalities, functions, quadratic equations, trigonometry and logarithms, calculus, and probability and statistics.

Give your little learners the opportunity for a big future. Kumon Math and Reading of Alpharetta – Holcomb Bridge develops the skills needed to succeed. To schedule a free placement test, call center phone # 470 336 3226 or email instructor Dr. Sugantha Moorthy - suganthamoorthy@ikumon.com. Class hours are: Mondays and Thursdays from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.