Support Materials --

Math for All

Unmasking Math

During this 30-minute math program you will:

see that many of your daily activities are related to math

use simple, fun activities to help your children to better understand math

see that everyone can succeed in math

Activity #1

Sorting can be setting the table!
In this activity, you will have your children sort silverware into groups according to likeness or difference-all one color, all spoons, all forks, all kneves and then into groups needed for setting the table-knife, fork, spoon, etc.
Materials:

plastic spoons, forks
knives of different colors and sizes
paper plates
Additional Activities:
This activity can easily be done at home with your own silverware. Have your children help set the table or put away the silverware and dishes. Encourage your children to do "sorting" with other things in the home such as sorting socks by color and size, or toys and by likeness.

Activity #2

Games are math, too!
This activity will help you to practice thinking ahead - problem-solving - by playing a game. Place markers on all of the squares on a grid (three squares wide and 7 squares long). With a partner, take turns removing markers from one or two squares at a time. When removing two squares at a time, they must be side by side. The one who has to remove the last marker loses.
Materials:

Beans or macaroni (to use as markers)
grid paper
Additional Activities:
Play this game on a grid with more squares such as a checker board. Make up your own rules.

Activity #3

Different - but always equal!
This activity shows you how many ways an egg carton can be divided into different but equal parts by cutting the carton in sections - halves, thirds, fourths, etc. You may need to help young children with the cutting. Keep one carton intact as the "pattern," so they can see how the cut pieces fit back together to make a whole carton.
Materials:

Egg cartons for one dozen eggs
eggs
Additional Activities:
Collect egg cartons that hold 18 or 30 eggs. Do the same, divide into halves, thirds, etc. How many ways can each carton be divided into different, but equal parts? (This activity is excellent for visualizing the concept of fractions - 2/4=1/2, 4/12=1/3, 12/12=1 whole.)
Try this at home:

take three different slices of bread, for example white, wheat and rye.
Take three different toppings, for example honey, jam, and butter.
Using only one topping to one slice of bread at one time, how many different ways can you make these snacks? (Then, enjoy eating the results.)