Adding and Subtracting

Popsicle sticks have hundreds of uses from crafts to math.

The colored ones just make it more interesting, and the ones shown from http://pionusparrot.com happen to be smaller than usual.

Choose the appropriate number of sticks and count with your child to get a total, and practice counting.

Discuss the meaning of subtracting, or taking away items or numbers. The word difference should also be used, since it is the answer in subtracting. This just gives them practice with using correct math terminology, which is important in the classroom. Being able to read the words is important also, but again depends on age and grade.

Given a known amount of popsicle sticks, ask the child to take away a certain number. Count how many are left.

The same procedure can be used for adding. While putting more sticks into the amount, use words like adding, add, how many altogether, sum (the answer in addition). Covering math terminology is important. Children learn it without knowing it!

Place-value

Dice can be used for lots of math activities.

Depending on grade level, the difficulty will vary.

Using two dice for ones and tens works. Have your child roll the dice and look at the numbers.

You can tell them the number to make. If they rolled a 4 and 2, you can ask them to put them in the correct place to create 42....2 in ones place, and 4 in tens place. Or they can choose the number they want to make.

You may want to make a chart, and this could consist of just lines. The number of lines will depend of level of difficulty.

You can also ask that they create the largest number and the smallest number they can given the numbers on the dice.

Six dice will take you through hundred-thousands place, just add more and go to infinity! Dollar stores have colored dice and big dice. Learning doesn't have to be expensive. Teachers love dollar store and the like.

If you rather have your child use numbers instead of the dot, cover them with tape or a sticky dot, and then write the numbers 1-6 on the dice. Wooden cubes can be used also.

Remind them that place value go in order opposite than reading. Exposing them to the words for the place values won't hurt either.

Younger students think it's special to have a placemat or a piece of brightly colored felt to roll their numbers on!