I can remember being bored, using black and white flashcards to practice math facts as a child, looking at the problem, saying the answer aloud, and flipping the card over to see if I was right.
Thankfully math facts practice doesn’t have to be boring. There are lots of fun ways to practice math facts at home.
One of our favorite math activities that get kids up and moving is beach ball math.
This simple kinesthetic math activity is perfect for kids that learn better through movement. Because kids will be saying the facts aloud, it’s also good for auditory learners.
Beach Ball Math
To make your math beach ball you will need a black permanent marker and an inflatable beach ball.
Use the permanent marker to write numbers 0-12 all over your beach ball. Write the numbers at least 2 times each.
To practice math facts with the ball, toss the ball to your child.
Have your child add whichever 2 numbers their thumbs are closest to. Ask them to read the math fact aloud to add in auditory learning as well as the kinesthetic here. (10+3=13)
Keep tossing the ball back and forth and have fun practicing addition facts!
If your child loves ball games, you may also like this printable baseball math ball game.
Math Ball Game Modifications
For younger children you can use the math ball to practice number recognition, just have them read the numbers their thumbs are nearest.
You can also use the beach ball to work on subtraction facts and multiplication facts. This allows kids of all levels to have fun while practicing math facts together.
Skip the boring flashcards. (Or at least make them more fun with this math activity.)
Let your child have fun practicing math facts with this simple beach ball math activity.
If you like this idea, be sure to check out:
- Free Printable Math Facts Bingo
- Subtraction Squish
- Avoid Summer Slide with These Great Gifts to Keep Kids Learning
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