Infusing Play into Learning - Tower of Ten

When we include play in learning, kids defenses go down and their ability to concentrate and engage are increased.  The result is usually increased understanding and interest in the subject.  I witnessed this first hand this morning.

My son is in grade 1 and every couple of weeks he comes home with a Math Bag.  Inside is a fun game to play with the family that reinforces some of that main concepts of grade 1 math.  Yesterday as he got off the bus he proudly showed me his Math Bag.

Inside was a game called Tower of 10.  It is a basic game of addition but don't tell the kids that.  They had no idea that in playing this game they both did at least 40 addition problems.  True, the numbers could only add up to 12 at the most but the repetitive nature of the game allows kids to quickly master simple addition.

Tower of 10: - 2 players

Materials Needed:

• 2 dice for each player
• 20 snap cubes or LEGO blocks

Instructions:

1. Divide the cubes/blocks so that each player has a pile of 10.
2. Each player rolls two dice.
3. Add the numbers of the dice rolled. (i.e. 2 + 6 = 8, 6 + 4 = 10)
4. Who has more?
5. The person who has more takes a cube/block from their pile and uses it to build a tower.
6. Continue until one person has built a 10 cube/block tower.

Alternate Play:

• This time play who has less?  Follow instructions above but the player who's dice add up to the lowest number wins the cube/block for their tower.

Looking for more ways to infuse fun play into learning?  Try some of these fun ideas using LEGO blocks to help your kids understand different math concepts.  Or break out the science fun this summer with these awesomely messy and explosive activities that are sure to excite the kids!

LEGO to the Rescue - LEGO Math Fun!

It is no secret that some kids get overwhelmed by math.  Trying to envision larger numbers, figure out greater than or less than, imagining perimeter, area, etc. can be daunting for kids who haven't had much real life experience with these concepts.  But what would happen if you brought LEGO into the equation?

First of all it is a 'toy' and we all know kids love toys.  Secondly, most people and schools already have a huge stash of it so it is therefore inexpensive.  Lastly, it comes in lots of sizes and colours which lends itself perfectly to matching, categorizing, etc.  

Obviously manipulatives aren't a new idea but taking something such as LEGO that the kids already enjoy working with can help eliminate some of the fear around these math concepts and instead make them exciting.  Give it a try!

Greater Than/Less Than:

This is a great tool for the visual learners.  By stacking the LEGO blocks indicated on the number cards a child can quickly understand the concept of greater than, less, than and equal to.

Image & Idea: One Perfect Day

Perimeter and Area:

Placing LEGO blocks on your graph paper is a great visual representation for kids.  The bright colours are more fun and engaging than the typical pencil drawn shapes.  No paper?  No problem.  Remember each dot on a LEGO piece is the equivalent of one square on graph paper so the grid is really built into the LEGO block.  Problem solved.

Image & Idea: E is for Explore

Addition & Subtraction:

LEGO pieces represent the numbers the children are trying to add and subtract.  The raised dots make it easy for them to keep track when counting.  You can make your own math sheets, print these free printable sheets or simply write the numbers on a sheet or the chalkboard and have kids show their work using LEGO.

Image & Idea: Inspiration Kindergarten

Patterning:

What a fun way to practice patterns.  Use LEGO blocks to form patterns that vary in size and colour.  As the kids get better at spotting the pattern throw in some AB or ABC patterns to see if they can figure it out.  Have the kids create their own patterns and explain them.

Image & Idea: The Tutor House

Fractions:

Fractions can challenge kids and all those pie charts can make a kid hungry.  Why not let them practice their fractions with LEGO blocks instead.  Simply stacking the LEGO blocks using different colours quickly helps children identify the fraction.

Image & Idea: E is for Explore

Multiplication:

I love the way the Tutor House has described a way to explain multiplication using LEGO blocks.  It is so clear when the kids can visualize the numbers.  By adding LEGO blocks you increase the number you are multiplying by.  

Images & Idea: The Tutor House

They say that kids can lose up to 3 months of knowledge during their summer break that teachers need to re-teach when they begin school again in September.  Why not incorporate a little learning into your summer playtime and help keep their minds engaged.  They won't even know you're doing it.  Way easier than sneaking broccoli into their dinner!

A Mother's Love Needs No Translation

I came across this video today and it touched me.  It proves how the story of a mother's love transcends language.  While the words are in Filipino  the message is global and depicted beautifully through moving images.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.


Happy Mother's Day weekend from one creative mama to another!