Crafts + Math = FUN!!!

What started as a fun craft idea morphed into these amazingly fun math games! You could also make the hand print into the traditional turkey, but we chose to make Indians.

 

Materials for craft:

3-6 pieces of construction paper (depending on hand size)

scissors

6 colors of paint

paint brush

marker

 

Step 1: Cut construction paper in 1/2 or 1/4 depending on hand size.

Step 2: Paint child's palm and one finger. (Are you surprised that Megan is doing it herself?)

*Note: You could also paint the palm and no fingers to introduce the number zero.*

 Step 3: Press onto paper. Make two prints with palm and one finger.

Step 4: Repeat Steps 2 and 3 adding an additional finger each time. (You'll have two Indians with one feather, two Indians with two feathers, two Indians with three feathers, etc.)

Step 5: Allow to dry. Draw on a headband and face. (See pics below.)
 

 

(That afternoon, Megan got sick. You can see the next day was a jammie day. She wanted to play, even with a fever!)

 

Memory Materials:

All Indians from craft

Step 1: Turn all cards face down.

Step 2: Take turns turning over 2 cards. Keep both if they match.

(This game is a great way to practice counting, memory, and get kids ready for the other games.)
 

 Number Match Materials:

Indians from craft

Numbers cut from construction paper

counters (We used bears. You can use beans, beads, goldfish, Hershey's kisses, etc.)

 

Step 1: Ask child to place feathers in order from 1-5.

Step2: Let child match counters to the number of feathers.

Step 3: Let child match number to the number of feathers.

Feathered Friends Materials:

All Indians from craft

Numbers cut from construction paper

counters may also be helpful

 

We followed up Number Match with this game, so all materials were already out. 

Goal: Use the feathers to introduce or practice addition.

 

Steps for Introducing Addition

Practice for less than 5 minutes.

*Don't skip steps. You want the first introduction to be super easy and fun! This will build confidence and understanding.*

Step 1: Choose two Indians. (If introducing addition, begin with small numbers.)

Step 2: Ask how many feathers each Indian has. Count together.

Step 3: Say (and point), "This friend has two feathers and this friend has three feathers. Let's see how many feathers they have altogether." 

Step 4: Count feathers together.

Step 5: Say, "2 feathers plus 3 feathers equals 5 feathers."

Step 6: Repeat using other numbers. (If after the first 3-4 your child is not "getting it", STOP. He or she is either not ready or uninterested. Find something else fun to do together.)

 

 

Steps for Practicing Addition

Practice for 2-5 minutes or until child wants to stop. 

Follow Steps 1, 2, and 3 from Introducing Addition.

Allow child to answer. If child is correct, repeat using other numbers. If child is incorrect, follow  Steps 4, 5, and 6 from Introducing Addition.

The goal of this craft and the games is to learn while having fun. If at any time you or your child are not having fun, stop, and do something different. Our kids are only little for a short time. Enjoy them and make tons of happy memories together! :)