Do you call it ‘maths’ or ‘math’?
Here in Australia we usually refer to it as mathS, and while I used to think it was really boring, now that I have kids I am changing my mind.
My boys are both quite ‘mathsy’. They love playing around with numbers, and maths concepts, and are quite keen to explore maths based ideas and activities.
My girls are more like me, we find numbers a little challenging, and because of that they think they don’t like maths, but actually they enjoy loads of mathsy things too.
And along with all four of my kids I’ve actually learned that there are cool cool maths things – who knew?!
Here are nine cool mathsy things that my kids are loving right now.
Rat-a-Tat-Cat
This is my 6 year old’s favourite game at the moment, and actually the whole family loves it. There is nothing better than a game that is easy enough for the littlest kid to play but challenging enough for the adults to enjoy. There is lots of comparing numbers, memory, and strategy involved, as well as adding and keeping score. You can get it from Amazon (affiliate link) but Aussies you might need to hunt around online till you find it, it’s worth tracking down.
Numberphile Videos
The Numberphile YouTube channel is full of videos about all kinds of weird and wonderful number related things. Morgan loves this one about infinity…
If you are looking for more interesting maths videos, or tutorials, iGame Mom has a great list of fun maths YouTube channels for kids.
Mobius Strips
These ‘one-sided non-orientable surfaces’ always intrugie my kids and they are super easy to make and explore. Find out how to make them over at What Do We Do All Day.
Parabolic Curves
This is the coolest maths art project that makes curves from straight lines! You can find instructions and download some free printable graphs to get you started with this project from The Mad House. For little ones you might like to start with this simple graph paper drawing maths art activity.
Uptown Funk Three Times Tables
My kids all rolled their eyes at this cover of Uptown Funk, but it’s the kinda thing that gets stuck in your head and all of a sudden you know your three times tables!
If you are looking for more fun ways to learn times tables try these ideas.
Match Stick Maths Puzzles
Do you remember doing these match stick brain teasers when you were younger? My nine year old thinks they are ace. You can download a set of 6 free printable challenges at Teach Mama and also find links to loads more.
Yahtzee
I’m not sure if good old Yahtzee is ‘cool’? My grandmother taught me how to play this dice game years ago, which probably makes it super daggy, but my kids love it anyway. You don’t need to actually buy the game, just get a set of five dice and download a printable score sheet here and find the rules here.
The Math Behind the Beat
My nine year old maths lover also loves playing piano so he LOVED this TED talk about how beat and maths are related. You can find more TED talks about maths here, and while most are aimed at adults there are a few that are kid-friendly, and you can find even more over at TED Ed.
Flextangles.
More maths art (can you tell that my kids love art too?) with ‘flexagons’ that combine shape, measurement, geometry and lots of abstract thinking when you make them. Find great instructions, information and a free printable template to make your own ‘Flextangle’ at Babble Dabble Do
Do your kids like maths?
Maybe they are like my girls and think they don’t like maths but they still like cool mathsy things?
Have you found any cool maths games or activities?
Leave a comment below and feel free to share a link or idea!
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