Measuring the world around you can be fun and humorous, especially when you are measuring with a peculiar reference object like a kid's shoe.
I find games of math with kids are most interesting when the adult is on a level playing field and doesn't "hold back" effort. In addition to measurement, games of sorting, spacial analysis, numismatics, and cultivating a favorite number can be fun.
In the 1970's, Hasbro made a game called "Something Fishy" which involved solving a spacial problem of fitting plastic sardines in to a tin can.
Many kids love to count money and learn about the different types of money, and calculate value. Be careful, as they may also be crafty enough to keep the money at the end of the game. The best ending is going to the store and letting them pay.
"The Book of Think: Or How to Solve a Problem Twice Your Size" may be a source of inspiration, as may "Brown Paper School book: Math for Smarty Pants".
Do you have a favorite number? Do you have a favorite shape? Did you know 7 is the scariest number?
I believe an early love of math often stems from a love of numbers, the thought that numbers are your friends. One great game to cultivate this friendliness is to simply go out in to the world and look for a complete set of numbers from 1..20 or so together. Numbers are all around.
I find games of math with kids are most interesting when the adult is on a level playing field and doesn't "hold back" effort. In addition to measurement, games of sorting, spacial analysis, numismatics, and cultivating a favorite number can be fun.
In the 1970's, Hasbro made a game called "Something Fishy" which involved solving a spacial problem of fitting plastic sardines in to a tin can.
Many kids love to count money and learn about the different types of money, and calculate value. Be careful, as they may also be crafty enough to keep the money at the end of the game. The best ending is going to the store and letting them pay.
"The Book of Think: Or How to Solve a Problem Twice Your Size" may be a source of inspiration, as may "Brown Paper School book: Math for Smarty Pants".
Do you have a favorite number? Do you have a favorite shape? Did you know 7 is the scariest number?
I believe an early love of math often stems from a love of numbers, the thought that numbers are your friends. One great game to cultivate this friendliness is to simply go out in to the world and look for a complete set of numbers from 1..20 or so together. Numbers are all around.