Add and Subtract with Math Bugs

What You Need:

• Colored construction paper
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• Markers
• Googly eyes (optional)
• Pipe cleaners (optional)

What You Do:

1. Help your child draw a number on a piece of construction paper, measuring about 4" by 4". Younger children may have an easier time tracing large number stencils or templates.
2. Cut the number out. If your child is old enough, have them practice scissor skills by doing this step themselves. They may need your assistance with some of the trickier parts.
3. Now it's time to turn that number into a bug! They can use markers to add stripes, spots, legs, wings, and more. They can also add googly eyes with glue or make antennas and legs with pipe cleaners.
4. Repeat with other numbers and other species of bugs. Try dragonflies, butterflies, ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers, crickets, or beetles.
5. After designing a few math bugs, set them up in an equation. For example, start with a number five firefly and then add a six spider. Use a marker to draw a plus and equals sign, then design a third number eleven insect. Glue them all onto a piece of construction paper to set up an artistic equation.

As your child builds their math abilities, continue to help them build new bugs and more complicated equations. This is a sure way to keep the learning going all year long!