Numbers & math
2nd gradeOdd and Even with Partners
Pair objects to investigate odd and even counts, check a leftover, and connect the result to addition and number patterns.
17 min readFOR THE GROWN-UPS BEHIND THE LITTLE EXPLORERS
Early Learning Activities & Parent Guides · Page 3
Page 3. Practical activities for children ages 3–8: letters, counting, shapes, colors, science, and social learning, with examples and tips for parents.
All articlesLetters & readingNumbers & mathShapes & spatial thinkingColors & creativityScience & discoveryFeelings & social learningFamily learning routinesAge & stage guidesMaterials & format comparisonsActivity shortlists & rankings
300 guides to explore
Numbers & math
1st gradeDoubles Facts with Matching Towers
Build matching towers to model doubles, count the whole, and connect equal groups to addition equations.
17 min read
Numbers & math
2nd gradeNear Doubles through One Extra Block
Use a known double and one extra block to model near doubles, explain the adjustment, and check the resulting sum.
17 min read
Numbers & math
2nd gradeComparing Two-Digit Numbers with Place-Value Models
Compare two-digit numbers by modeling tens and ones, checking the tens first, and comparing ones when the tens match.
17 min readNumbers & math
1st gradeMeasuring Length with Equal Paper Clips
Measure a straight length with equal paper clips placed end to end, record the unit, and compare results without gaps or overlaps.
17 min read
Numbers & math
1st gradeReading Whole Hours on a Homemade Clock
Make a paper clock and read whole-hour times by checking the minute hand at 12 and the hour hand at the named hour.
17 min readNumbers & math
2nd gradeHalf Hours as Halfway between Two Hours
Read half-hour times on an analog clock by placing the minute hand at 6 and the hour hand between consecutive hour marks.
17 min readNumbers & math
2nd gradeCoin Values without a Shopping App
Explore the values of common U.S. coins with drawings, equal-value exchanges, and checks that distinguish coin count from monetary value.
17 min read
Numbers & math
1st gradeMaking a Simple Picture Graph of Family Choices
Collect a small set of choices, make a picture graph with a clear key, and answer questions supported by the recorded data.
17 min readNumbers & math
1st gradeUnderstanding Halves with Folded Paper
Fold a rectangle into two equal-area parts, check the halves, and compare different wholes and representations.
17 min readNumbers & math
2nd gradeQuarter Turns and Four Equal Parts
Explore a quarter turn and four equal parts as related uses of one quarter, while keeping rotation and area division distinct.
17 min readNumbers & math
2nd gradeChecking an Answer with a Second Math Model
Check a math answer using a second representation, explain what each model shows, and resolve disagreements between them.
17 min read
Shapes & spatial thinking
PreschoolCircle Hunts around the House
Find and compare circular outlines around the house, distinguish flat circles from round objects, and check examples with a clear tracing.
17 min read
Shapes & spatial thinking
KindergartenTriangles That Point in Different Directions
Recognize triangles in different orientations by tracing three straight sides, checking a closed boundary, and comparing nonexamples.
17 min readShapes & spatial thinking
1st gradeSquares and Rectangles: Talking about Shared Features
Compare squares and rectangles by sides and right angles, explain why every square is a rectangle, and test rotated examples.
17 min readShapes & spatial thinking
KindergartenShape Sorting with Two Rules
Sort shapes by one property and then another, explain why a shape changes groups, and check the rule against each item.
17 min read
Shapes & spatial thinking
KindergartenFinding Shapes in a Simple House Drawing
Explore triangles, rectangles, squares, and circles in a house drawing by checking their features and explaining each choice.
17 min read
Shapes & spatial thinking
KindergartenBuilding a Picture from Cut-Paper Shapes
Build and revise a picture with paper shapes while exploring how pieces can be moved, turned, combined, and described.
17 min read
Shapes & spatial thinking
KindergartenCounting Corners without Losing Your Place
Count the corners of drawn shapes with a clear starting point, a consistent path, and a way to check for missed or repeated points.
17 min readShapes & spatial thinking
PreschoolStraight and Curved Lines in Everyday Pictures
Look for straight and curved paths in familiar pictures, trace their boundaries, and compare examples without relying on an object's name.
17 min read
Shapes & spatial thinking
KindergartenAn Oval Is Not Just Any Squashed Circle
Explore oval-shaped outlines through tracing, comparison, rotation, and drawing, while distinguishing informal shape names from precise mathematical definitions.
17 min readShapes & spatial thinking
1st gradeHexagons in a Paper Honeycomb
Build a paper honeycomb and investigate six-sided outlines, shared edges, counting, and the limits of a simplified bee-cell model.
17 min readShapes & spatial thinking
1st gradeOctagon Recognition with a Pretend Stop Sign
Make a pretend stop sign and identify octagons by tracing eight sides and corners, including rotated and irregular examples.
17 min readShapes & spatial thinking
2nd gradeStars: Points, Inward Corners, and Counting Carefully
Count outward points and inward corners on a paper star, keeping the chosen boundary and counting rule clear.
17 min read