18 Excellent Ideas for Independent Math Explorations for Kids
Incorporating math practice into your regular schedule doesn’t have to be complicated with these independent math explorations. We all know that practice makes perfect, and that’s especially true when it comes to mathematics.
These games will give your children the concrete tools they need to understand math concepts. They’re also great for exploration and practice during those extra moments when children need to be educationally busy while you’re otherwise preoccupied.
You’ll love how easy it is to work on number sense, operations, fractions, measurement, patterning, algebraic concepts, and even geometry! With so many fun and exciting ways to learn about math, elementary students will jump at the opportunity to try these activities.
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Independent Math Explorations
Take a break from the flashcards and give your children something to keep their math skills sharp while keeping their hands busy. This wrap-up kit has everything you need to get started. It comes complete with wraps to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Each set is self-checking, so there is no need for your help at all. Yay!
There are several different tangram sets to choose from. If you have children just starting with tangrams, I suggest using this Melissa & Doug Tangram Set. It is colorful, easy to grasp, and comes with simple puzzles. For older kiddos, try using this Magnetic Tangram Book, which has over 150 challenging puzzles.
While using beans to balance the board in this game, your children are really balancing equations. This is the perfect introduction to algebraic thinking (and even physics.) My boys have loved the goofy little bean figures.
Learning Wrap-ups Math Intro KitClassic Tangoes
Balance Beans Game
Work through these 60 puzzles to get hands-on experience with geometrical shapes. Each puzzle has a varying level of difficulty, making it a great option for kids of all ages. Geometrically gifted children may enjoy a similar but more spatial version called Perspecto. Both of these games are challenging but develop strong conceptual geometry thinking skills.
Pair a set of geoboards with some rubber bands and this set of Geo George Activity Cards, and your children will be able to explore symmetry, calculate perimeters and areas, and even practice problem-solving.
Write and Wipe Fact Family Boards
Using a dry-erase marker on this board helps children practice fact families. One side of the board practices addition/subtraction families, while the other side practices multiplication/division families. Equation symbols are already on the board, which serve as helpful reminders. To make the board truly independent, you’ll likely want to give your children addition/subtraction three-corner cards and/or multiplication/division three-corner cards.
Equilibrio GameLearning Resources 5-Inch Double-Sided Assorted Geoboard, Set of 6
Learning Resources Write & Wipe Fact Family Boards
This geometric activity also encourages problem-solving. Children use magnets to solve puzzles to make animals, people, and other figures. If your children fall in love with this set, there are several others, including Magnetic Mighty Mind Zoo Adventure and MightyMind Aquarium Adventure.
Not only do these magnetic blocks allow students to build whatever their little hearts desire, but they also introduce them to geometry in a very fun way. I’ve found that by creating and exploring three-dimensional shapes through construction, my children have gathered a great deal of 3-D understanding without the need for a single formal lesson in the elementary years.
Mathlink cubes are perfect for visual learners. They can help with grouping, counting by multiples, patterning, and measurement. A set of 1000-centimeter cubes is an excellent option if you use it alongside the larger Mathlink cubes when working on concrete measurement comparisons.
Magnetic SuperMindMagnetic Blocks 102 PCS Magnetic Building Blocks Toys for Girls Boys, Magnetic Tiles Set for Toddler Kids By Mibote
Learning Resources Mathlink Cubes, Set of 100 Cubes
Get hands-on with these colorful equivalency cubes that can be used to teach fractions, percentages, and decimals. This set comes with a deck of cards that allows children to practice and gain experience by solving problems. “Seeing” fractions is an essential step in understanding an otherwise tricky concept in many cases.
Pattern blocks can be used to practice so many skills. My favorite uses are for practicing symmetry and understanding tessellations. A set of pattern block cards can help younger children learn the ropes, while these activity cards provide fun, independent challenges for older children.
Playing with a 100-board can go a long way in helping children with number sense. Besides practicing counting 1-100, a hundred board can teach number patterns, skip counting, multiples, odds and evens, prime numbers, factors, fractions, decimals, percentages, and rounding. A hundred board is a GREAT tool to have around the house.
Learning Resources Deluxe Fraction Tower SetLearning Resources Plastic Pattern Blocks (Set of 250)
Wooden Toys Hundred Board Montessori 1-100 Consecutive Numbers Wooden Educational Game for Kids with Storage Bag
Playing with a balance scale gives a hands-on understanding of weights and measures and practices both mathematical and scientific skills. I especially love this balance for upper elementary students because it uses gram cubes and measures, which is an unusual unit of measurement for elementary students. If your children are younger, you will likely prefer a baby bear balance.
Many days, I handed my children this measuring set and let them play. Whether in the kiddie pool, bathtub, sandbox, or used a tub of dry beans, just playing around with the various tools taught them so much about measurements and comparisons. If you have a little extra money, the liter measuring set is nice, too.
Spring scales are often associated with science, but they’re also a fun math tool. Children can easily measure the weight of objects around the house by simply “hooking” them and reading the measurements as the objects are lifted or pulled. The measurements are more understood when used for scientific purposes, but my younger children have always enjoyed the simple explorations.
Precision School Balance, Grades 4 and upLearning Resources Classroom Liquid Measuring Set
Sciencent 6 Piece Math Economy Hanging Spring Scale Set
The Spirograph has made me happy since I was a little girl. It has the unique ability to combine math and art with almost endless creative possibilities. Children gain experiences with geometry and patterning without ever suspecting that math might be involved in such a fun activity.
Perfection combines a little geometry with brain-training skills such as working memory, visual attention, and visual processing. The game is a little loud, but kids love it.
Pattern Play 3-D is a construction game that combines geometric and logical thinking. It comes with 40 sculpture cards that require children to view 2-D images and recreate them as 3-D sculptures. The puzzles are more challenging than you might think!
Spirograph Deluxe Design SetPerfection Game
Pattern Play 3D Game
Aren’t these perfect for math explorations and skills practice? Who knew that independent math could be so easy to add to your day?! Do you have any favorite independent math games to add to the list?
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