Math is probably my son’s favorite subject right now and I am running with it. This monster math activity took 2 minutes to set up and could be used over and over . No need to buy anything other than paper and googly eyes! I like making simple tray activities like this that I can have ready for him at the table in the playroom to do after school. They are educational and appealing but not so long that he gets overwhelmed after a long day of school. As you will see my toddler demanded she get in on the action too, luckily this was easy to adapt to her level as well. For a fun variation check out how you can use dice for even more monster math over at Inner Child Learning.
- Gather your materials. You will need some bright paper, googly eyes, a pencil ( if you want to use the monsters more than once) , and scissors. I also had a small cup and cookie tray to keep everything contained.
- Start by folding your paper in half and cutting out the shape of a monster. Best part is that they can be detailed or a blob , not need for extraordinary artistic skills!
- Next write simple math equations on the monster. If your child isn’t up to equations yet just do numbers. You can also do shapes and have your child place the eyes on the shapes. I used markers for the photos but If you want to use this more than once you can use pencil, or laminate the monsters and use dry erase markers.
- All ready – now add a math wizard!
He loves this . I love that while doing math he is also working on fine motor skills that he needs for writing.
- After he did addition we flipped it over and did some subtraction.
He loved it too!
- ” I do it TOO!!!” To make it toddler friendly I only used the largest eyes, and wrote simple numbers on the monsters.
My daughter still needed a little help as I thought she would but she was ecstatic to be doing big girl math with her big brother. All I know is she begged to do math. Let’s keep that spirit going right?
Monster Books
Check out our round up of monster books for some reading after your math!
Coooooooooooooool! It will be great for my son. Thanks!
This is so awesome! Brilliant idea 🙂
Love this ! I’ve just started tutoring a little guy who will love this! Have you ever made money monsters – you draw the amount on their body and the different coins to make it on their legs, lots of legs. That’s cool too.
no but I will now – what a great idea!
What a cute idea and this works on fine motor skills, too! I also like Beckie’s idea for money monsters. I will have to try this!
~Abby
This is a great activity for after school math fun. I can’t wait to do this with my daughter. We just shared one last week with Leaf Fact Family Trees. We’re love for you to share this on our After School Linky this week. http://www.theeducatorsspinonit.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-advantages-of-walking-home-after.html
What a wonderful idea ! Is has the basic of a vocabulary activity.
Thanks for sharing this great idea! I came across this post via Pinterest, and have included it in my weekly round-up of terrific pins. If you’d like to check it out, you will find the post here: http://littlegreenteacher.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/top-5-pins-of-week-understanding-ten.html
Cheers,
Kelly at Little Green
thanks, your idea is amazing. I talked about it in France in my blog that was a success