Ask children to interview their parents to find out how they use math in their job.  It’s a great way to encourage dialog with children and their parents, and also emphasizes that math is something we will USE all our lives.

Math Is Fun Book

Let each child draw a picture about why they like math.  Let them dictate or write sentences about how math can be fun.  Put their pictures together to make a class book.

Math Kit

Fill an old backpack or briefcase with tools a mathematician would use, such as a calculator, stop watch, ruler, abacus, measuring tape, paper, pencil, etc.

Let one child take home the math kit each evening and explore what they can do with it at home.

Growing Up ("Totally Math" CD)

When I was a baby, baby, baby,  (Step from side to side
When I was a baby all day long    to the beat.)
I’d go “waa-waa” this a-way,  (Pretend to put thumb in
“Waa-waa” that a-way.            your mouth as you cry.)
“Waa-waa” this a-way all day long.

When I was one… “ma-ma”  (Hold up arms as if reaching for mother.)

When I was two… “no-no”  (Stomp foot and shake head “no.”)

When I was three… “me-do”  (Point to self with thumb.)

When I was four…I learned to draw   (Draw a circle in the air.)

When I was five…I learned to write   (Hold palm and pretend to write with                                                             index finger.)
When I was six…I learned to read    (Put palms together to make a book.)

When I was seven… I loved math… (Point to brain.)
I’d go add, add this a-way.  Subtract that a-way. 
Add and subtract all day ‘cause I loved math.

Activities:  Children draw a time line of their lives with “yesterday,” “today,” and “tomorrow.”