Math lessons are fun for little ones when you use fun and different math manipulatives. I found inspiration when I was at a party store recently. I decided to do a unit study on birthdays and use candles as a math manipulative.
Supplies:
Purchase the number candles 0-9. You may want to get an extra zero to make 100.
Purchase a package of regular birthday candles in different colors but the same amount for each adding up to 100.
Cupcake liners
Styrofoam to make a birthday “cake”. Decorate as you see fit.
Lessons:
Have your child put the number candles in order.
Have your child place the correct number of regular candles under the number candle.
Using the number candles as a visual ask your child addition questions. Use the regular candles for manipulatives. You can also use this method for subtraction.
You can also write in frosting or using a marker; number words and have your child place the correct number on the number word. To make this a cute activity make cupcakes with number words written on them and have your child match them to the right number candle. Then have your child use the regular candles to count out the number written.
For a lesson on place value, line up three cupcake liners. If possible match the color of the cupcake liner to the color of the candle. Assign the colored candles a place value. For instance, the pink candles are the ones place, the blue the tens place and the white the 100s place. Place a number candle above each cupcake liner. Tell your child the number, for instance 125. Now, place the correct amount and color of candles in the cupcake liners. This is lesson is advanced but with small steps your child will enjoy this “puzzle”.
For a lesson on multiplication, sets or skip counting; line up the cupcake liners and place the amount of candles in each liner you see fit. For instance, you can place two candles in three liners. Ask your child how many sets of candles, then how many in each set and finally how many altogether. You can also teach to count by twos.