Volume 12 Sept Oct 2011

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1 L e t s M a k e M a t h Fu n Volume 12 Sept Oct Ways to Get Kids to Love Math Fun Fruit Board Games Have We Found the 15 Greatest Board Let sgames Make Mathin Funthe World? Who Will Be The Math Champ? Printable Math Puzzle Sheet Challenge Them With Can You Make It?

THE LET S MAKE MATH MAGAZINE is brought to you by

com and Math Board Games at www.math-board-games.

2 THE LET S MAKE MATH MAGAZINE is brought to you by Making Math More Fun at and Math Board Games at Copyright 2011 Teresa Evans. All rights reserved. Permission is given for the making of copies for use in the home or classroom of the subscriber only.

3 IN THIS EDITION 10 Ways to Get Kids To Love Math... Three Quick Puzzles.... Math Champs page 4 page 7 page 8 Are These the 15 Greatest Board Games in the World?. page 9 Can You Make It?.. page 10 This Issue s Free Printables... page 15 Fun Fruit Addition Hunt page 16 Fun Fruit Division Hunt page 18 Sun Signs Four In A Row page 19 Find The Four Puzzle Sheet page 22 Welcome to the September, October Edition of Let s Make Math Fun. For many children, math isn t a favorite subject but it is easy to turn this around by trying a few different things. In this issue we look at 10 simple ways to make kids love math. Can You Make It? and Math Champs are two new games to try out. Use Math Champs to practice loads of different skills or have a class tournament to find the true Math Champ of your class. Can You Make It? is a challenging game that will get kids estimating, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing and thinking creatively as they attempt to create equations that equal the chosen number. Of course there are printables for you too! The Fun Fruit games have the kids hunt out rows of numbers that create addition or division equations. The Sun Signs Game is a math version of Four In A Row and the Find the Four Puzzle Sheet will have them busily adding to get to the correct totals. As usual there are loads of fun math games and activities! Hope you and the kids have fun with them! Till next time! Teresa Cover Photo Info [2011] Pavel Bolotov from

4 10 WAYS TO GET KIDS TO LOVE MATH We all know that if we enjoy something, it makes it much easier for us to do! Here are 10 favorite ways to get kids to enjoy math so that they will want to do it and become better at it. If they enjoy it, they will no doubt be much happier to practice math skills which will help them to improve and to develop more confidence in math. 1. Challenges Practicing math skills is vital to success in math but doing the same type of calculations or exercises over and over can be boring! When you present these same exercises as challenges you will find that children suddenly change their attitude. How quickly can you do this? How many can you do in 5 minutes? How many can you get right today? Who can solve this first? Who will get the most right? Children can be challenged against others or against themselves. 2. Competitive Games There are many different math games that practice math skills. Children can compete as individuals or as teams. The first to answer might score a point, or the one to get the most right might win. Math Champs is a simple game that can be used to practice many different skills. See page 8 of this magazine for instructions on how to play this simple game that really motivates kids. 3. Acknowledge Success Many children don t feel very successful when it comes to math. They notice that the other kids can do more or do it faster or do it easier and then they start to lose confidence in math and berate themselves. You can help kids to avoid self condemnation and a dose of math loathing by making sure that they are aware of their own successes. You couldn t do this before but now you can. You only had 2 right yesterday but today you have 7 right. You are much faster at this now! Help kids to recognize their own success, no matter how small, and you will also help them to develop confidence in math and a much more positive attitude towards math.

5 4. Riddles Kids love riddles and adding a few riddles to math practice time can make math loads more fun! You can create your own riddle puzzles where children are given one letter or word of the answer for each calculation that they solve or Tim Wei has created The Math Riddle Book which has printable math worksheets that practice many different math skills and reward kids with a riddle. The Math Riddle Book is available here - The Math Riddle Book. 5. Hands On Math is a lot more fun when you are manipulating materials in your hands. Let kids be hands on when it comes to math and math will be a lot more interesting. Hands on materials also help children to create a deeper understanding of math concepts. Use blocks of some kind, markers, shapes, base ten blocks, attribute blocks, plastic numbers, bean bags, dice, fraction resources or whatever is appropriate for the concepts, skills and age group. 6. Puzzles and Brain Teasers Giving children math puzzles and math brain teasers is a great way to motivate kids in math. They enjoy the challenge but they also gain other skills as well. Often a puzzle or brain teaser presents children with a mathematical problem and before they can solve the problem, they are required to analyze the information they are given and then choose a strategy to solve the problem. These are great reasons to use Brain Teasers and Puzzles but ultimately their true value lies in their ability to motivate. When presented in the right way, each brain teaser or puzzle says, I ve got something tricky here for you to work out? Can you do it? Will you be able to solve this? This challenge definitely motivates kids! There are printable Brain Teaser Cards in Volumes 2, 5, 9 which can be downloaded from 7. Math Card Games Many math games can be played with a simple deck of cards. Bring out a deck of cards and

you are saying, Hey, I ve got a game for you to play! not I want you to practice some math. Of course the ultimate objective might be practicing math but it will be well disguised as a game instead.

makingmathmorefun.com/printablemathfun.htm. 8. Math Board Games Math board games are another fun way to disguise math practice. Kids can have lots of fun making their own math board games.

6 you are saying, Hey, I ve got a game for you to play! not I want you to practice some math. Of course the ultimate objective might be practicing math but it will be well disguised as a game instead. There are many ideas for card games in the Making Math More Fun collection. There are also a few ideas for games in Volume 9 of Let s Make Math Fun which is available for download at 8. Math Board Games Math board games are another fun way to disguise math practice. Kids can have lots of fun making their own math board games. They can create a simple track style game where players move around the track by rolling the dice or they can try a Snakes and Ladders style game. They can decorate the board and then enjoy playing the game when it is finished. There are many board games ready for you to print and play from the following websites: - Every edition of Let s Make Math Fun contains a few printable math board games (download them all from - There is a complete book of math board games in the Making Math More Fun collection. - The Math Board Games Book also has printable math board games and each board can be used to practice many different skills. - And there are more Math Board Games in the Printable Math Fun Collection. 9. Math Video Games and Computer Games Kids love video games and when you combine math with an exciting video game, the kids are bound to be motivated. You can find many different games by searching online. One of the most popular is Timez Attack. This inspiring video game practices multiplication and now also division. They give away a free version that allows kids to practice all basic multiplication facts.

7 10. Rewards While some debate the validity of giving children rewards, they can definitely be useful. But this doesn t mean that you need to have a bag of sweets ready at all times. Children can be motivated to complete their work or to improve their skills with simple rewards for achieving their target. A fun math puzzle sheet can be a reward. Time on the computer playing math games can also be used. A part of a puzzle or a game makes a great reward. Children can work towards collecting all of the pieces or parts so that they can then play the game or do the puzzle. Think out of the box when it comes to rewards and you will find many different options other than sweet treats! THREE QUICK PUZZLES Here are three quick math puzzles to give the kids. 1. Put the digits 5, 6, 7 and 8 in the boxes to make the following a true equation. + = 2. Put the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 in the boxes so that each row and column have the same total. 3. Put the digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 in the boxes so that each row and column have the same total. Solutions on page 9.

8 MATH CHAMPS Here is a simple and fast game that can be used to practice many different math skills. It is played by 2 players but is a quick game so in the classroom you can play again and again with different pairs having a go. It also makes a great tournament style game as the winners can play off against each other. To Play Two challengers are chosen and stand either side of the caller. The caller calls out a question or skill that is to be practiced e.g The first player to call out the answer scores a point. The caller holds up 1 finger on this player s side. Play continues until one of the players has 3 points and is named the Math Champ. Use this game to practice appropriate skills for your children. Here are some suggestions: Basic Addition 4 + 9, Basic Subtraction 12 7, 15 8 Basic Multiplication 5 x 8, 9 x 5 Basic Division 27 9, 35 7 Fractions ½ of 16, ¼ of 24 Percentages 50% of 40, 75% of 60 Number Sense What is the number before 76? after 98? Place Value Add 10 to 346, Add 100 to 713 Reading Time Show the time on a toy clock and have the children say the time shown on the clock.

ARE THESE THE 15 GREATEST BOARD GAMES IN THE WORLD? Board games are a fun activity for holidays, rainy days and quality family time. They keep kids entertained but this is not their only value.

9 ARE THESE THE 15 GREATEST BOARD GAMES IN THE WORLD? Board games are a fun activity for holidays, rainy days and quality family time. They keep kids entertained but this is not their only value. They also develop strategy skills, thinking skills and social skills like communication, cooperation and fair play. Some board games don t have much educational value but there are those that require kids to use problem solving skills, strategic thinking and even math skills. Playing Board Games is a great way to help kids develop in many different areas but board games can be expensive. Luckily, Klutz has created a great collection of board games in the one book. The Klutz Book of Board Games contains 15 Board Games that require kids to really think. Not only do you get 15 board games, you also get custom-designed playing pieces, dice, and other pieces that come in the storage compartment attached to the book, which is ingeniously engineered to lie flat during game play. The Fifteen Greatest Board Games in the World! Of course the title is debatable but this is worth checking out! Klutz Board Games Includes Pentominoes, Solitaire, different version of Checkers and much, much more! Solutions for Three Quick Puzzles One possible solution is given for each. Number 1 Number 2 Number =

10 CAN YOU MAKE IT? This is a challenging puzzle game for children of various ages and ability levels. It is simple to prepare and it can be played with 1 person, a small group or even a whole class. You require number cards which you can create yourself or you can use the cards from the Black Line Masters that are on the following pages. Each player will also require pencil and paper to use for calculations. Calculators are optional and you can choose to allow children to use them if you want. Cards: You will require 3 sets of small number cards with the digits from 0 9. You will require 20 cards with 2 digit or 3 digit numbers (Choose 2 digit numbers or 3 digit numbers according to the ability of the players.) Object of the Game: Each player attempts to create an equation that equals the chosen 2 or 3 digit number. Players can only use the digits on the selected small number cards. Getting Ready: Place the small number cards face down on a table or in a bag or bowl for children to select them from. The large number cards are also placed face down or in a separate bag or bowl. To Play: One person chooses 6 of the small number cards if creating equations to equal 2 digit numbers or 7 of the small number cards if creating equations to equal 3 digit numbers and displays them for the others to see. Next, one of the large number cards is chosen and displayed. Players are now given a set amount of time - between 2 minutes and 5 minutes - to create an equation that equals the number on the large number card. Players can only use the digits on the small number cards and can only use each of these digits once unless 2 or more of the same digit have been chosen. Scoring: After the set amount of time those who have created a correct equation score 1 point for each addition in their equation, 2 points for each subtraction, 3 points for each multiplication and 4 points for each division. If no player has created a correct equation the player who has created an equation that equals a number closest to the given number can score one point. Encourage players to create equations that use different operations addition, subtraction, multiplication, division. Each equation must contain at least one operation.

11 Also encourage players to put the digits together to make 2 or 3 digit numbers in their equations, e.g. if 2, 3, 3, 5, 9, 0 are available; a player could use the numbers 25, 92, 235 etc. Example 1 Chosen Digits: Chosen Number to Aim For: 59 Possible equations = 59 (score 4 points) = 59 (score 3 points) 7 x 9 4 = 59 (score 5 points) Example 2 Chosen Digits: Chosen Number to Aim For: 713 Possible equations = 713 (score 1 point) 9 x = 713 (score 5 points)

12 Black Line Masters for Can You Make It?

SUN SIGNS FOUR IN A ROW A version of Four In A Row where players work out what sign the sun has replaced and try to create a line of four of their markers.

15 THIS ISSUE S FREE PRINTABLES ADDITION HUNT Hunt out lines of 3 numbers that can create addition equations and cover them with a Fun Fruit Card. DIVISION HUNT In this game you hunt out lines of 3 numbers that can create division equations and cover them with a Fun Fruit Card. SUN SIGNS FOUR IN A ROW A version of Four In A Row where players work out what sign the sun has replaced and try to create a line of four of their markers. 2 sets of cards allow for a basic and an advanced version. FIND THE FOUR PUZZLE SHEET This puzzle sheet requires children to find sets of four hexagons that will add to the given numbers.

16 ADDITION HUNT a game for 2 players Players take turns to find 3 joining numbers in a line that can create an addition equation and cover them with a Fun Fruit Card, e.g. 12, 7, 5 (5 + 7 = 12) The line of numbers can go across or down. A player is out if they can t cover a line of 3 numbers on their turn. The last player who can cover a line is the winner

17 Cards for Fun Fruit Games

18 DIVISION HUNT a game for 2 players Players take turns to find 3 joining numbers in a line that can create a division equation and cover them with a Fun Fruit Card, e.g. 36, 9, 4 (36 9 = 4) The line of numbers can go across or down. A player is out if they can t cover a line of 3 numbers on their turn. The last player who can cover a line is the winner

19 Sun SIGNS FOUR IN A ROW a game for 2 4 players Each player has a set of markers in a different color. The cards are placed face down. Players take turns to pick a card, decide which sign the sun represents and place a marker on a square with that sign. The card is then returned to the other cards. Only one marker can be placed on each square. The first player to make a line of 4 of their markers is the winner. x x + x + + x + + x + x x x x x + x + x + + x x x + + x +

20 Cards for Sun Signs Four In A Row Set A - Basic 2 7 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 63

21 Cards for Sun Signs Four In A Row Set B - Advanced = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 77

FIND THE FOUR Find four adjoining hexagons to add to the given numbers.

18. Color red the hexagons that add to 15.

Color green the hexagons that add to 16.

22 FIND THE FOUR Find four adjoining hexagons to add to the given numbers. The hexagons must form this shape: Color blue the hexagons that add to 18. Color red the hexagons that add to 15. Color yellow the hexagons that add to 17. Color green the hexagons that add to Color blue the hexagons that add to 27. Color red the hexagons that add to 29. Color yellow the hexagons that add to 30. Color green the hexagons that add to

23 FIND THE FOUR ANSWER KEY Find four adjoining hexagons to add to the given numbers. The hexagons must form this shape: Color blue the hexagons that add to 18. Color red the hexagons that add to 15. Color yellow the hexagons that add to 17. Color green the hexagons that add to Color blue the hexagons that add to 27. Color red the hexagons that add to 29. Color yellow the hexagons that add to 30. Color green the hexagons that add to

BraIn Teasers for LIttle Ones Have you discovered this collection of Brain Teasers for young

This set gives you 100 s of pages of engaging activities that are designed to develop the

Fun, appealing activities to stimulate thinking skills, reasoning skills, creativity and more!

24 BraIn Teasers for LIttle Ones Have you discovered this collection of Brain Teasers for young children. This set gives you 100 s of pages of engaging activities that are designed to develop the thinking skills of children aged 4 7 years. Fun, appealing activities to stimulate thinking skills, reasoning skills, creativity and more! This is bound to be a big hit with the little ones! Math skills include Number Recognition, Shape Recognition, Classifying, Sequencing, Spatial Awareness, Comparing and more! The Mind Power Series Brain Teasers for little ones. The Mind Power Series

following webpage. www.makingmathmorefun.com/printablemathfun.

25 WANT MORE MATH GAMES AND PRINTABLES? Previous editions of the Let s Make Math Fun magazine can be downloaded from the following webpage. Many of the printables from previous editions and more printable math games also are available for your convenience in the Printable Math Fun collection on the same webpage.

Volume 2 April Tease Their Brain with Brain Teasers. Turn Your Classroom into a Game Show. Do Your Kids Sudoku?

Volume 2 April Tease Their Brain with Brain Teasers. Turn Your Classroom into a Game Show. Do Your Kids Sudoku? Volume 2 April 2010 Let s Make Math Fun Tease Their Brain with Brain Teasers Turn Your Classroom into a Game Show Do Your Kids Sudoku? Free Math Printables Brain Teaser Cards Board Games and Sudoku The