Numbers & math
2nd gradeOdd and Even with Partners
See whether a set can form pairs without a leftover object. Seven counters make three pairs and one leftover.
9 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.
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300 guides to explore
Numbers & math
1st gradeDoubles Facts with Matching Towers
Connect two equal groups with a doubles addition fact. A tower of four beside another four represents double four.
9 min read
Numbers & math
2nd gradeNear Doubles through One Extra Block
Use a known double to reason about a neighboring addition fact. Four plus five is double four and one more.
9 min read
Numbers & math
2nd gradeComparing Two-Digit Numbers with Place-Value Models
Compare tens before ones when ordering two-digit numbers. 32 is greater than 28 because three tens exceed two tens.
9 min readNumbers & math
1st gradeMeasuring Length with Equal Paper Clips
Measure by repeating the same unit without gaps. A pencil can be described as six paper clips long.
9 min read
Numbers & math
1st gradeReading Whole Hours on a Homemade Clock
Connect the hour hand’s position with an exact hour. At 3:00 the short hand points to 3 and the long hand to 12.
9 min readNumbers & math
2nd gradeHalf Hours as Halfway between Two Hours
Notice the hour hand’s movement at a half hour. At 3:30 the hour hand sits between 3 and 4.
10 min readNumbers & math
2nd gradeCoin Values without a Shopping App
Distinguish the number of coins from their total value. Two nickels have the same value as one dime.
9 min read
Numbers & math
1st gradeMaking a Simple Picture Graph of Family Choices
Represent one response with one picture marker. Each family vote for apples or bananas adds one square.
9 min readNumbers & math
1st gradeUnderstanding Halves with Folded Paper
Recognize two equal parts of one whole. A fold that makes two equal areas can show halves.
9 min readNumbers & math
2nd gradeQuarter Turns and Four Equal Parts
Connect four equal parts with a whole. Four equal quarter pieces cover one original square.
9 min readNumbers & math
2nd gradeChecking an Answer with a Second Math Model
Verify a result by representing the same problem differently. 8 plus 5 can be shown with counters and a number line.
9 min read
Shapes & spatial thinking
PreschoolCircle Hunts around the House
Recognize a circle across different everyday objects. A lid and a drawn wheel can both have circular outlines.
9 min read
Shapes & spatial thinking
KindergartenTriangles That Point in Different Directions
Recognize a triangle by three straight sides rather than orientation. A triangle still has three sides when its point faces left.
9 min readShapes & spatial thinking
1st gradeSquares and Rectangles: Talking about Shared Features
Compare four-sided shapes without relying only on their names. Both shapes have four right-angle corners, while a square has equal sides.
9 min readShapes & spatial thinking
KindergartenShape Sorting with Two Rules
Sort by one property and then change to another. Red circles can be grouped by color first and shape second.
9 min read
Shapes & spatial thinking
KindergartenFinding Shapes in a Simple House Drawing
Identify parts of a drawing by their geometric outlines. A roof may resemble a triangle and a window a square.
9 min read
Shapes & spatial thinking
KindergartenBuilding a Picture from Cut-Paper Shapes
Compose a recognizable picture using separate geometric pieces. A rectangle and two circles can suggest a bus.
9 min read
Shapes & spatial thinking
KindergartenCounting Corners without Losing Your Place
Count each vertex of a polygon exactly once. A pentagon has five places where straight sides meet.
9 min readShapes & spatial thinking
PreschoolStraight and Curved Lines in Everyday Pictures
Notice the difference between a straight edge and a curve. A ruler’s edge is straight while a rainbow arc is curved.
9 min read
Shapes & spatial thinking
KindergartenAn Oval Is Not Just Any Squashed Circle
Compare circular and oval outlines through direct observation. An oval can be longer in one direction than another.
9 min readShapes & spatial thinking
1st gradeHexagons in a Paper Honeycomb
Recognize and count the six sides of a hexagon. One hexagon has six straight boundary sides.
9 min readShapes & spatial thinking
1st gradeOctagon Recognition with a Pretend Stop Sign
Identify an eight-sided outline while separating shape from sign meaning. An octagon has eight sides even without printed words.
9 min readShapes & spatial thinking
2nd gradeStars: Points, Inward Corners, and Counting Carefully
Distinguish a star’s outward points from all of its corners. A five-point outlined star has five outer points and five inward corners.
9 min read