Step on It: A Math Game

What You Need:

• Heavy paper, such as oak tag or construction paper
• Marker
• Masking tape
• Hard floors, such as kitchen tiles

What You Do:

1. Before you start the game, write a complete math fact in large type on one side of a sheet of typing paper. If your child is struggling with early math facts, start with low numbers like 1+2=3. By second grade, however, most kids are working with number facts closer to ten, such as 9+8=17; or with subtraction. Wherever you start, write one math equation on one side of each paper, such as 6+6=12; and write just the expression (such as 6+6) on the other side. Make at least 20 facts, and then mix them all up.
2. Set up the challenge: tell your child that their mission, should they choose to accept it, is to cross the room without touching the floor, using only their knowledge of math facts. Tape a square of blank construction paper on one side of the room. This is "start." Explain that you will show them a math problem, and every one they get right will become their next "step" allowing them to move across the floor.
3. Stand in front of your child, and show the question side of the construction paper. If they state the correct answer to the math problem, turn it around and tape down the answer side a good step-width away. Allow them to move one space forward. Guide your child through the problems as needed, so that they don't become frustrated if the math concept is challenging for them. If your child does not answer the problem correctly, they must stay on the same space. When your youngster gets all the way across the kitchen, they have successfully completed their mission!

In order to keep the Step Game a challenge, try using multiplication or division flashcards as your child advances in math.