Summer Learning...Buggy for Math

We started by making our own math mat using the Tissue Paper Palm Leaf Craft Kit. The kit has everything you need just add your own glue and paint brush and you are ready to get started. Everything comes pre-cut and ready to assemble which makes this ideal for a classroom activity. Just use a paintbrush to apply the glue / water mixture, then add the tissue paper overlapping as you go. We used this as an opportunity to practice our counting. My little one counted each square as he applied it onto the acetate sheet. Once dry we glued the foam cutout on top of the acetate sheet. Little ones love using manipulatives so these small bugs are perfects for counting and pattern making. Little ones can sort by color or characteristics like wings or spots. Just use the leaf mats to practice making simple patterns. Once they have mastered patterns have them try counting up their bugs. Put some bugs on two separate leaves and have them add them together. Then have them create their own story problems using the bugs. Practice numbers using the colorful Paint Chip Supply Strips. These strips are AMAZING! So many uses, and such a great value, you get a ton of strips. We used them to trace numbers then used the bugs to match the corresponding number. You can use them for simple flash cards, to show fact families or for multiplication facts, just hole punch and attach onto a ring and you have cute flashcards you can take anywhere. Adding some fun flash cards and cute critters will help make any math activity seem like fun. I know my little one loves math time, he thinks he's playing. This cute printable is a great way to review skills and is the perfect addition to any classroom math center. Just add some small bugs to a cute palm leaf tray and your students have an instant activity where they can show what they know. My son loves doing "big kid work" as he calls it, but sometimes when he makes a mistake he gets frustrated. I've found that erasable colored pencils keep him engaged and excited to write, who doesn't love all those colors! Yet they erase easy and keep him from focusing on his mistakes. I hope these ideas have you buggy for math this summer!