Engaging in summer math activities helps children maintain and strengthen their math skills during the break from school and prevent summer slide. Here are four activities children will enjoy so much they won’t even realize learning is taking place!
#1: Math Fact Basketball
MathAndMovement.com shares how summertime basketball can transform into an entertaining math game. First, write down math equations (like 4+5) on index cards. Next, a player will draw an index card and quickly answer the question. Once a math problem is successfully solved, they get a point and can shoot the basketball. If they make the shot, they get another point. Then, the next player gets a turn and, at the end of the game, the person with the most points wins.
#2: Chalk Number Line Run
Also suggested by MathAndMovement, use a piece of chalk to draw a line of numbers up to 20 on the sidewalk or driveway. Then, have a stack of index cards, each with a number; let’s say ones with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 on the card. Have your child draw a card and hop the number of spots on the card. If the number is four, they’ll hop four spots and wait for their next turn. Whoever gets to hop all the way to number 20 on the chalk line wins.
#3: Hula Hoop Clock
The hula hoop clock game comes with more steps than the first two and can be helpful for children who can count to 100 by ones as well as by tens and have an understanding of both addition and subtraction. They should also know how to read a manual (not digital) clock.
You can find directions to this game, as well as options for when you don’t have a hula hoop, at Auburn University’s Home Works site.
#4: Math in the Kitchen
South Dakota State University shares a variety of summer math activities that can take place in the kitchen. They include counting the number of strawberries going into a smoothie recipe in a blender; to estimate how many sweet potato chunks can fit into a cup; and to estimate what time the clock will read if you put a dish in the oven at 12:20 if it takes 45 minutes to bake.
Horizon Weaves Math Into Their Summer Camp Curriculum
At Horizon’s Summer Camp, we make summer math activities part of our fun-filled days. This helps children maintain and improve upon their math skills while school is not in session and let them see how math can be an enjoyable activity.
If you have children aged six to 14 and want them to have enriching, meaningful summer experiences, sign them up today!
