Games & Play
Scroll through these cards for a few ideas to get you started...
There are lots of activities you can do with children that explore maths in the real world. Helping your child see the maths in things they’re doing anyway helps them understand that maths isn’t just a school subject. It’s useful outside of the classroom too!
On this page we've listed just a few ideas to get you thinking about numbers with your children. Some ideas that work almost anywhere include:
If your child has a mobile phone, use it to talk about maths and money saving. Look together for the best plans: does their network sell any extras that would make texts or calls cheaper? Is it cheaper to text or to use Messenger, Snapchat or Whatsapp?
When buying a couple of items, ask your child to work out how much they will cost together. As a challenge for older children, ask them to estimate what the weekly shop will come to. Work out offers in supermarkets together. Ask them to work out which are the best deals
Ask your child to check your change when shopping with cash.
Use pocket money as an opportunity to talk about maths. Is your child saving for anything? How much do they need to save each week to buy it?
Travelling. Ask your child to help you work out whether it’s cheaper to drive or take public transport. Are there any deals you can get on public transport?
Talk to your child about getting a bank account. Look together at what’s on offer for young people opening their first account and see which is the best deal.
Ask your child about the maths in any story they read or TV programme they watch. This helps children see how maths is used all the time. Whatever they’re reading or watching, there are chances to talk about maths – for example: