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Learning Activities for Kids

Multiplication Practice with Jelly Bean Arrays

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Have you ever worked with arrays? It’s a great way to visualize multiplication and these Jelly Bean Arrays are a fun way to learn.

So, today we’re grabbing our Easter candy and having some fun. Are you ready to learn?

Learn about and practice multiplication with Jelly Bean Arrays. This fun Easter math activity is a great way to practice multiplying and is so much fun.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Arrays are a great way to describe a multiplication problem and help you “see”  how to get the answer.

It’s a great way to visualize multiplication. And it’s another one of those things I didn’t learn in school, but my children are. I’m glad they are!

Use jelly beans to practice multiplication arrays.

How Do You Use Arrays In Multiplication?

First of all, let’s define an array. Quite simply, it’s a visual representative of a multiplication problem (at least in our case) using objects arranged in rows and columns.

Take the multiplication problem, 2 x 4. The first number, two, represents the number of rows. The second number, four, represents the number of columns.

So, for 2 x 4, we would create two rows with four objects each.

Jelly Bean Arrays - a fun way to learn about multiplication

What Else Does the Array Show?

In the above photo, you’ve got three rows and four columns. It represents 3 x 4. Or, 4 + 4 + 4. Can you see that?

And the answer to both of those math problems is twelve.

Arrays can tell you a lot!

Jelly Bean Arrays

Now that we have an understanding of arrays, let’s grab our jelly beans and have some fun.

Our set-up was simple, I just used an index card to display my arrays and grabbed a pile of jelly beans.

Note: You can do this any time of the year. Just use M&Ms or Skittles instead of jelly beans.

The only other thing you need are some multiplication problems.

Let’s start solving!

Multiplication practice with jelly bean arrays

How do you solve 3 x 2?

You’d make 3 rows with 2 jelly beans in each row. Now let’s solve. Count up the jelly beans and you’ll find 6. 3 x 2 = 6

Let’s flip the problem around? Would 2 x 3 look the same as 3 x 2?

The answer is the same, but the array would look different. To make an array for 2 x 3, you’d have 2 rows with 3 jelly beans in each row.

Keep using jelly bean arrays to work on all your multiplication problems. I love how this helps you see exactly how to solve a multiplication problem.

This is such a great math tool!

Learn about and practice multiplication with Jelly Bean Arrays. This fun Easter math activity is a great way to practice multiplying and is so much fun.

More Fun Math Activities

Learn your multiplication facts with this fun and easy to make Paper Plate Multiplication Practice Activity

Visualize skip counting with this fun STEAM activity – Math Art: Skip Counting Pointillism

Hands-On Perimeter Activity: Perimeter Lab is a fun way to practice measuring and calculating perimeter using real objects.

These Patterned Multiplication Circles at Lemon Lime Adventures are another great way to visualize multiplication.

More Multiplication Resources

It can take a lot of work to memorize multiplication facts, so it’s great to have a variety of games and activities to help your kids.

Here are some fun ideas to consider:

Do More Activities With Your Family

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

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Fun LEGO Math Games

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Do you know an easy way to get your kids excited about math?

Get out the LEGO bucket and try some LEGO math games!

LEGO Bricks are so versatile and can be used to illustrate many different math concepts. You can use them for counting, preschool math, and all through elementary school with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and more.

Make math fun with these awesome LEGO math games for preschoolers and elementary students. Find ideas for addition, patterning, multiplication, and more.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

LEGO Math Games

Check out these great LEGO math activities and you’re sure to find something that works for your child.

Are they working on addition? Try our fun Add & Fill game.

Do you want to illustrate symmetry? Build LEGO Symmetry Snowflakes.

Or are you working on multiplication? Build a 3-D multiplication graph.

You can find all these great ideas and more in the list below.

LEGO Math Games

Find ideas for patterning, addition, subtraction, multiplication and more with this fun collection of LEGO math games for kids from preschool through elementary school.

LEGO Addition: Add & Fill a Base Plate

How many LEGO Bricks does it take to fill up a base plate? Find out with this fun activity where you add and fill your base plate.

Pick Two - A Fun LEGO Math Game

This Pick Two game is also a fun way to practice addition with LEGO.

Block Patterning with Legos for Preschoolers

Photo Credit: handsonaswegrow.com

Your preschooler will love to practice patterning with this simple activity.

Lego Challenge Math Activity (Free Printable)

Photo Credit: buggyandbuddy.com

This simple math challenge will help you child practice math skills such as spatial awareness and geometry.

Skip Counting With LEGOs

Photo Credit: www.powerfulmothering.com

Use your LEGO Bricks to practice skip counting with this simple idea.

LEGO Math Challenge Cards and Activities

Photo Credit: littlebinsforlittlehands.com

Set up a fun LEGO math busy bag with these printable math activity cards and a selection of bricks.

Lego Bar Charts

Photo Credit: www.science-sparks.com

Use your LEGOs to make bar charts with this fun math activity.

Learn Area and Perimeter Using LEGOs

Photo Credit: www.schooltimesnippets.com

Using LEGOs to practice area and perimeter is a great way to visualize these math concepts.

Teach Your Child Multiplication using LEGOs

Photo Credit: www.schooltimesnippets.com

Use your LEGO Bricks to practice grouping for a hands-on multiplication practice.

Star Wars Minifigure LEGO Math Game

Photo Credit: inspirationlaboratories.com

Use your Minifigures and a deck of UNO cards to practice addition and subtraction with this fun game.

Using Lego to Explore Symmetry in snowflakes

Photo Credit: rainydaymum.co.uk

Explore symmetry when you create LEGO snowflakes with this fun math activity.

Ways to Make Ten with LEGO Minifigures

Photo Credit: inspirationlaboratories.com

Use your LEGO Bricks and Minifigures to practice making 10.

Easiest Proof Pythagorean Theorem with LEGO

Photo Credit: igamemom.com

Check out how you can use your LEGOs to illustrate the Pythagorean theorem.

Hands-on Multiplication with Legos (A 3-D Graph!)

Photo Credit: frugalfun4boys.com

Create a 3-D multiplication graph to help learn your multiplication facts.

Which of these fun LEGO math games are your going to try with your kids?

The Best LEGOs for Math Activities

Chances are, you already have the LEGO bricks you need for any of these fun math activities.

The most important items are base plates and a selection of bricks of different sizes. Despite all the pictures you see, it’s not crucial to have primary colored LEGO bricks. You can also pull together everything you need from LEGO Friends sets too!

If you are looking for some good, basic LEGOs, did you know you can buy them from the pound? Check out this great seller on ETSY who sells bricks by the pound.

Make math fun with these awesome LEGO math activities for preschoolers and elementary students. Find ideas for addition, patterning, multiplication, and more.

You may also like one of these fun math activities:

Grab some items from nature to practice math this fun fun activity, Addition with Rocks: An Outdoor Math Activity

Use a number line to solve a secret code with this fun Number Line Secret Code Math Activity

Grab a simple set of playing cards for this easy Plus 1 Minus 1 Card Game

There are so many Math Paper Plate Games you can make with a pack of simple paper plates.

These DIY Fact Family Triangles at Rainy Day Mum are a great tool to help your child with their math facts.

Great LEGO resources for learning

LEGO sets are awesome, but a general collection of LEGOs are perfect for learning activities and other fun. Here are some great resources to keep on hand.

Do you want to do more activities with your kids?

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.

Alphabet Bead Spelling Words

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Have you seen those bags of alphabet beads in the craft store?

It’s fun to use them to make jewelry, but there are so many fun educational things you can use them for as well. Like today, we’re going to use them as a fun spelling activity.

So, grab your word list and let’s make some alphabet bead spelling words.

Alphabet Bead Spelling Words is such a fun activity to help your child master any spelling list. It's easy to set up and promotes fine motor skills too.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Once you’re done with your alphabet bead spelling, check out these other fun ways to practice spelling words.

Set Up Your Alphabet Bead Spelling Activity

This activity doesn’t need any set-up beyond grabbing a couple of supplies.

All you need in a bag of letter beads and a printed list of your child’s spelling words. That’s it. Gather everything and have it ready for homework time.

Where to Buy Alphabet Beads

Purchasing your letter beads is the most time-consuming part of this process. But, one you have them, you can do this spelling activity over and over again.

You can usually find them in any craft store or in the craft department at a store like Target and Wal-Mart.

If you don’t want to go out shopping, you can also find the on Amazon. Here are a few options to check out.

Colorful Alphabet Beads

Use Letter Beads for Spelling Practice

Once you have the supplies, simply have you child use the beads to spell each of their words.

They can just pick out the letters to form the words. Or, they can thread them onto a pipe cleaner for some additional fine motor practice.

Keep the alphabet beads in a small bag or container, like a cute pencil bag, near your homework station. That way, they’ll always be ready for after school spelling practice.

Grab some beads and start practicing spelling words with this fun Alphabet Bead Spelling Words activity. It's a fun way to learn.

Fun variations to this Alphabet Bead Spelling Words activity

For an added challenge, call out the words to your child so they have to spell by memory. This adds a fun twist to a practice spelling test.

Give your child the letters of one of their words and mix up the bead. Have them unscramble the letters to make their spelling word.

String your beads on jewelry cord to make a spelling word bracelet. They could even wear the bracelets for some instant word practice. (But make sure to leave the bracelets at home for spelling test day!)

Shop our list of spelling homework station supplies here.

Looking for fun ways to practice spelling words? Try this alphabet bead spelling idea.

You May Also Like One of These Spelling Activities

Do you want an excuse to play with Post-Its? Then try this spelling activity with sticky notes.

Use these tips to turn your spelling list into a fun Spelling Word Scramble.

Disappearing Spelling Words is a fun activity that adds a little science to your spelling practice.

Keep your spelling words seen when you create a simple Spelling Words Wall like this from Rainy Day Mum

Do You Want to Do More Activities With Your Family?

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.

Snow Numbers Activity for Toddlers

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Do you have snow outside? Are you looking for a winter activity for toddlers or preschoolers?

Bring some snow indoors and try our Snow Numbers activity. It’s a fun way to practice number recognition and work on fine motor skills. If you don’t have any snow, you can make your own.

Practice writing and identifying numbers this winter with this fun snow numbers activity for toddlers that you can do indoors.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Materials Needed for this Snow Numbers Activity

Snow

Washable liquid watercolors

Droppers

Water

Containers and tray for watercolors

Large storage bin or baking dish

Tablecloth or towels

Tip: While big, a flat plastic underbed storage container is perfect for this activity. You can write the number big and there is plenty of room for more than one child to work together.

How to Set Up the Numbers in Snow Activity

We had lots of snow on the ground so I filled a large underbed storage container with snow. You can use any size container really. I would recommend at least the size of a 9×13 baking dish to give you enough room to play.

Set your container up in an area that’s okay to get a wet. I like to place towels down on top of my kitchen floor.

Draw numbers in the snow. Use your finger or a butter knife.

Add a few drops of washable liquid watercolor to each container of water. I chose red, yellow, and blue. We can explore coloring mixing in the snow as well.

Place a dropper in each of the watercolor and water mixtures. I like to use the jumbo eye droppers from Learning Resources. Squeezing the droppers works on fine motor skills. You could also use smaller medicine droppers, spoons, or even a spray bottle.

Fun snow numbers activity for toddlers

Ways to Play With This Snow Numbers Activity

Encourage your child to color the numbers. If the numbers are difficult to see, you can color them first. Show your child what to do with the first few numbers and then have him follow behind you.

As your child is coloring a number, talk about the numbers and colors. What number do you see? Which color are you using? What happens when you add yellow to the red?

Allow your child to add color onto the numbers, around the numbers, or anywhere in the snow.

You could even work on positional words. Can you add red water under the number 7? Let’s drop blue water on top of the number 5.

Learn your numbers with this fun sensory snow numbers activity that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

Challenge your child to add colored dots next to a number. Where is the number 4? Can you add 4 yellow dots below the number 4?

You could extend this snow numbers activity for older children as well. My kindergartener couldn’t resist playing. Practice addition by counting colored dots.

Practice writing and identifying numbers this winter with this fun snow numbers activity for toddlers that you can do indoors.

More Snow Inspired Winter Actvities

While there’s snow on the ground, try these snow science explorations.

Get the whole family outside to play with these fun snow fort building toys.

Play this snowball toss alphabet game with pretend snowballs.

Do some art outside when you use these simple 2-ingredient snow paints from Ruffles and Rain Boots on your yard.

Do More Activities With Your Family

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.

Snowball Toss Alphabet Game for Toddlers

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I’m always looking for ways to get kids moving and learning especially in winter when we’re stuck inside more.

Let’s practice letter recognition and letter sounds with a pretend snowball fight.

Toddlers and preschoolers will love this snowball toss alphabet game. And, once you’re done playing you can move on to more fun activities for toddlers.

Help your kids learn their ABC's with this fun Snowball Throw Alphabet game for toddlers and preschoolers.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Materials You’ll Need for the Snowball Toss Game

Snowballs

Card stock(or paper)

Paper cutter (or scissors)

Tape (I used masking tape.)

Marker

Paper plates (or something similar – use plastic bowls, plates, or even pieces of paper)

I found 10 indoor snowballs for $3 at the Target dollar spot. Walmart is selling 20 indoor snowballs for about $10. You can also get indoor snowballs on Amazon. You could even make your own snowballs from balled up socks or crumpled paper.

The indoor snowballs remind me of giant pom poms, but they are weirdly squishy. You know how real snow feels when you make a snowball – that squishy, crunchy feeling? The indoor snowballs replicate that feeling.

Set Up Your Snowball Throw Alphabet Game

I used a paper cutter to cut a piece of white card stock into 1-inch squares. Then, I wrote a letter on each paper square. I drew a line at the bottom of each lowercase letter and some of the uppercase letters just so it was easy to tell which direction the card went.

Your toddler or preschooler will have fun moving and learning their abc's with this simple gross motor Snowball Toss Alphabet Game

I used uppercase and lowercase letters for our matching game. You could play the matching game with the same case to work more on introducing letters.

Select 10 letters to work with. (This helps focus on just some of the letters instead of the entire alphabet. If you have more snowballs, feel free to use more letters.)

Your toddler or preschooler will have fun moving and learning their abc's with this simple gross motor Snowball Toss Alphabet Game

Tape one lowercase letter to each snowball.

Now you’ll need a landing zone for the snowballs. I used small paper plates. You could use containers or even pieces of paper.

Tape one uppercase letter to each landing zone.

Your toddler or preschooler will have fun moving and learning their abc's with this simple gross motor Snowball Toss Alphabet Game

Place the uppercase letters on one side of the room. We lined the paper plates up near the wall.

Make a pile of snowballs on the other side of the room.

Practice the alphabet with this fun indoor snowball game for toddlers

Play this snowball toss alphabet game

Have your child pick up a snowball and find the letter on it. Ask him to say the name of the letter. (You can also have him say the letter sound.)

Now have your child throw the snowball across the room (towards the paper plates). I had my kids throw the snowballs at the wall.

Next, have your child pick up the snowball and find it’s matching letter on a paper plate. Say: “You have the little (lowercase) letter e. Can you find the big (uppercase) letter E?” Have her place the snowball on the correct letter.

Your toddler or preschooler will have fun moving and learning their abc's with this simple gross motor Snowball Toss Alphabet Game

Keep throwing snowballs and matching letters until you run out.

Then, you can reset the game and play it all over again. Use the same letters or practice different ones. (We stayed on the same set for a while. We’ll switch out the letters and play again another day.)

Your toddler or preschooler will have fun moving and learning their abc's with this simple gross motor Snowball Toss Alphabet Game

My toddler (age 2.5) and my preschooler (age 4.5) equally enjoyed this snowball toss alphabet game. They loved getting to throw the snowballs at the wall and then had fun finding the right letter.

Sometimes my toddler read the letters upside down and just made a match with whatever he thought the letter was. I had to have him slow down a bit and help him double check the letters.

Your toddler or preschooler will have fun moving and learning their abc's with this simple gross motor Snowball Toss Alphabet Game.

I love how this game gets kids moving and working on gross motor skills (throwing, bending, running, etc.) while practicing the alphabet.

Your toddler or preschooler will have fun moving and learning their abc's with this simple gross motor Snowball Toss Alphabet Game.

More Winter Themed Activities for Toddlers

Practice your numbers with this fun Snow Numbers Activity that uses real snow.

Use snow as a canvas for some Snow Painting.

Make a fizzy snow dough sensory bin.

Try some penguin painting, an easy art project that’s perfect for toddlers.

Learn your ABCs with this fun gross motor Snowball Throw Alphabet Game for Toddlers

Find All Your Supplies Here

You may already have some of the supplies you need at home. I know I always have a roll of tape and some card stock. But, if you’re looking to buy some of the supplies, here are a few that I recommend.

Are you looking for more kids activities?

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.