Today we would like to share with you some more outdoors (or indoors) active games that will encourage children to practice some basic math skills while hopping, running, and aiming.
Most of us have played hopscotch as kids. How about using chalk to create some interesting active math games for children to play outside. The goal is to get some exercise while practicing some basic skills.
Game 3: The train
With this game, children can practice number recognition, and skip count by 2 and 3 while literally skipping and hopping. They can practice skip counting by 4 and 5 while aiming with their stones.
Make sure the tiles are not too big or too small. they should be big enough for children to step in without stepping on the lines but not too easy.
Level 1: Skip count by 2
The players take turns. At their turn, they throw their flat stone (or any small object that works) in the first number that comes when they skip count by 2 (from 0) which is 2, and then they jump (both feet) or hop in all the even numbers until they are back. They pick their pebble on the way back when they are in the nearest tile. Next turn they will move to the next number (skip count by 2). If they step on a line or a wrong number, or if their stone goes out of the correct tile they must try that number again on their next turn. (like in hopscotch). The players throw their stone for tiles 1-12 standing behind 1 and 12-24 standing behind 13. If their pebble doesn’t get inside the tile they still have to jump (skip count by two numbers) all the way and back (from 1-12 and 12-14) The first player to cover all the skip by 2 numbers first wins.
Level 2: Skip count by 3
The same rules apply for multiples of 3 (skip count by 3 for the younger players) except maybe take a step jump each time because of the distance.
Level 3 : Skip count by 4
To practice multiples of 4 the players do not jump every four tiles due to the greater distance, instead, they hop an all the numbers (one foot to go, another one to come back). The same goes for multiples of 5.
If your space is less for the shape shown above, try this one, or any other shape with numbers in order that works for your space. If you are playing with younger players you might decide to have fewer numbers.
If you have space inside the house, you can play these games indoors as well. “Draw” the shapes on the floor with painters tape, or use foam floor mats.
Check out the games in
With the current situation, it is up to us parents to make sure that our children are playing in a safe place. We recommend that children play in places where only the family has access to or it’s on your property. (back yard, driveway) If you choose to play in a public area (park) make sure you keep a safe distance from others (one family at a time). You can also choose to play indoors.
We hope our games keep your brain and body active and strong. Our intention is to provide ideas that will encourage you to create your own games as well. Share your games with us and let us know if our games work for you.
More active game ideas coming very soon!
