Are you looking for ways to get your kindergartener excited about math and, more specifically, about kindergarten addition? Outside of the flash cards and worksheets, what can you do that is unique and out-of-the-box? Here are some ideas to help you get your kindergartener excited about addition facts, and none of them involve a single worksheet, pencil or paper.
1. Use Some Drama
Sometimes kids have trouble with math because they deem it to be “boring.” Rev up the learning by bringing some drama into the mix. Have your child act out the addition problems you are trying to teach. When you get more senses involved in the learning, you’ll be surprised at how quickly kindergarten addition facts are absorbed, understood and applied.
2. Bring Kindergarten Addition into Play
When you are playing with your child, look for ways to bring in kindergarten addition. Are you having a tea party? Add the cookies or cups on the table. Are you playing with Legos? Add the bricks. Bringing math into play will make it fun and interesting for your child.
3. Let Kindergarten Addition Story Books do the job
Storybooks make math attainable. Kindergarten addition is found in several picture books. Reading and discussing these books with your children will help you address these facts in a way that your child can relate to. Some popular books that address kindergarten addition include What’s New at the Zoo by Suzanne Slade, Mission: Addition by Loreen Leedy and The Mission of Addition by Brian Cleary.
4. Ask Questions
Your kindergartener is already probably adding without knowing what he is doing. Ask him how he would figure out how many plates you need for the family if you already have two on the table. He will add to get the correct answer. Pull in the math fact to show that he is, in fact, adding.
5. Use Technology
If your kindergarten student is into technology, use it to get them a competitive advantage at school. Try tablet-based learning programs that will introduce and then supplement the math knowledge you are trying to instill in your young learner.
