Article Contributed on: 10/31/2009 4:38:05 PM
As you are putting away your monster, princess and pumpkin costumes, wondering what you are going to do with all that candy let's think about math. A pile of candy provides a wonderful opportunity for your children to practice some math enrichment.
First have them sort their candy. Sorting and classifying (grouping objects by common attributes) is fundamental to both mathematical reasoning and reading comprehension. Allow your child to devise his own classification system. Then let him explain to you his rules. Then encourage him to think of different ways to sort the same bag of candy.
First it might be Chocolate in one pile, hard candy in another. The second might be any candy with nuts in one pile, soft candy in a pile, and gum in another.
You might want to have him organize by size, shape or amount.
Have them count out 25 candy bars. Ask them to arrange the candy so you can tell how many there are without counting one by one.
Can they find a way to organize the candy into groups?
Groups of 5?
Two groups of 10 and one group of 5?
With their candy can they make equal groups?
Two equal piles?
Three equal piles?
Five equal piles?
10 equal piles?
How many are left over?
Maybe you do not want them playing with their candy. Or you do not trick or treat. Easy this math could be done with blocks such as Legos' http://play.lego.com/en-US/default.aspx .
More Family math Ideas at:
Keep Reading at: http://www.examiner.com/x-2016-Parenting--Education-Examiner~y2009m10d31-November-Monster-Math#