The song “Monster Mash” is always popular near Halloween time. As I prepared our math activity this week, I found myself singing to the tune of the song: “Let’s do some math, monster math… Let’s do some math, on a learning path…” Monster Math is a simple hands-on math activity that is perfect for Halloween time or anytime.
To prepare for the activity, fold 6 inch squares of colored paper in half. Cut simple monster shapes from the paper, using the fold as the center of the monster. You will also need wiggly eyes to go with your paper monsters.
One-to-One Correspondence
You can use the monsters to work on counting skills and one-to-one correspondence. Use a pen or permanent marker to write a number on the bottom of each monster. Have your child count the correct number of wiggly eyes to put on each monster.
Addition
You can also use the paper monsters to work on addition facts. Using the paper fold down the middle of the monster, write a number 0-9 on each side of the fold, with a plus sign between the numbers.
Have your child put the correct number of wiggly eyes on each side of the monster. Then have them count how many wiggly eyes there are total to determine the answer to the addition fact.
Maneuvering the wiggly eyes to create silly looking monsters is great for working on fine motor skills. Plus, the hands-on math activity makes math more fun.
You may also like:
- Dinosaur Unit
- 15 Fun Learning Activities with Plastic Eggs
- Subtraction Squish
- 40+ Hands-On Learning Activities
KAREN says
what great ideas babe, so clever and fun for the kids. I think I could pull that off, LOL
KAREN recently posted..SMILE of a Child
OneMommy says
They had enough fun with it that we are doing it again this week. 🙂
Donna DM Yates says
This is a great idea and the perfect time to use monsters too. I love Pinterest. Everyone is so friendly and nice, and I find the best pics and how tos there. I hope we’re connected.
Donna DM Yates recently posted..Melancholy Strikes
OneMommy says
They do have some great stuff on Pinterest! I will have to see if I can figure out how to see if I’m following you (I’m still learning the ropes a bit there.).
Lorie says
We love monsters and this looks like a great way to incorporate some fun into learning!
Lorie recently posted..12 Ways to Decorate Halloween Pumpkins: Kid’s Co-op
OneMommy says
It was fun enough we are doing it again this week! Can’t wait to check out your pumpkin post!
Julie says
Ok… LOVE this idea! I would also love if you would add this to my Mom’s Library Weekly Link-Up.
http://heymommychocolatemilk.blogspot.com/2012/10/moms-library-link-up-3-for-me.html
Thanks and Be Blessed,
Julie
OneMommy says
Thank you — off to link up now!
Julie says
Featuring this awesome activity on Mom’s Library Link-Up. I would love for you to come over to Hey Mommy, Chocolate Milk and grab a featured button! We would also enjoy seeing what you have been up to this week! Feel free to link up several posts!
http://heymommychocolatemilk.blogspot.com/2012/11/co-hosting-moms-library-4-for-me.html
Julie recently posted..Co-Hosting Mom’s Library – #4 for me
OneMommy says
Thanks for featuring it this week — so exciting! Can’t wait to head over and see what else is up this week.
Ashley says
Very cute idea to teach math!
OneMommy says
Thanks — they have enjoyed doing it a few times now.