Creative Family Fun

Your one-stop shop for kids activities and family fun

Math Activities for Kids

5 Fun Ways to Learn With a Daily Weather Report

By

I don’t know about you, but I check the weather app on my phone every single day. Sometimes, I’ll check multiple times.

But, do you ever share this habit with your kids? You should. It’s a great way to learn.

There’s more you can do than just simply checking in the weather. Check out these fun ways to learn with a daily weather report.

This simple STEM activity is fun and requires absolutely no prep time!

Get out your phone for this simple weather report activity. You can learn so much with a daily weather report. Here are a few ideas to try.

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.

Five Ways to Learn with a Daily Weather Report

Compare temperatures

Use your math skills to discover the difference in temperatures. Find the difference between a day’s high temperature and its low temperature.

For example: Today’s high is 88 degrees and the low is 59 degrees. I use subtraction to find the difference. There will be a 29 degree difference today!

You could compare temperatures over the week. Record the temperature at the same time everyday. For example: What was the temperature at 3:00 pm every day? Find the temperature difference over the week. Find the difference between the week’s highest temperature and the lowest temperature. Or, simply find the difference between Monday’s 3:00 pm temperature and Tuesday’s 3:00 pm difference.

Get out your phone for this simple weather report activity. You can learn so much with a daily weather report. Here are a few ideas to try.

Learn to read a radar

Nowadays, we carry a weather report around in our pocket and can access it anytime. Because of that, I consider it a life skill to be able to click on the radar and know what it is telling you.

Do you know what all the colors mean? Do you know how to make the radar move and understand what it tells you?

Share this information with your kids and teach them how to understand what you’re seeing on the radar.

Note: You will want to pick a rainy or snowy day for this. There’s not much to see on the radar on a clear day!

Get out your phone for this simple weather report activity. You can learn so much with a daily weather report. Here are a few ideas to try.

Learn about predictions

Weather forecasting is all about making predictions. But, these predictions are pulled out of thin air, they’re based on a lot of information like weather patterns, radars, climate, and more.

You can learn more with one of these informative books:

Weather Forecasting by Gail Gibbons

Weather Words and What They Mean by Gail Gibbons

What Will the Weather Be? by Lynda DeWitt

Or, you can try this activity to learn more about weather prediction. Record the weather first thing in the morning. At the end of the day, go back to this prediction. Was the weather forecast correct? What changed?

Next look at the extended forecast and find the prediction for three days from now and five days from now. Was the forecast correct? What changed? Can you come up with some reasons why?

Get out your phone for this simple weather report activity. You can learn so much with a daily weather report. Here are a few ideas to try.

Use the weather report to plan the week

How does the weather report help you plan for the day or for the week? It can tell you whether you need to wear a winter coat or a light jacket. Or whether or not you need to grab an umbrella.

Are you planning a trip to the pool? Sit down with your kids and the extended forecast and have them help you pick the best day to go.

Look at the weather report before picking out your clothes for the next day. How did the weather report help you plan?

Get out your phone for this simple weather report activity. You can learn so much with a daily weather report. Here are a few ideas to try.

Other weather report activities

What else can you learn with a daily weather report?

You can find all sorts of information: rain totals, wind speed, air pressure, pollen count, etc.

You can look up cities around the world and see how it is different from what where you live.

Can you come up with some more ways to learn with a daily weather report?

Get ready to learn with these fun daily weather for kids activities. Learn to read a radar, use the weather forecast, and more.

You may also like one of these fun STEM activities:

Easy Sun Prints STEM Activity

Melting Crayons Science Activity

Melting Snow Science Experiment

What Causes Storms? Science Experiment at Frogs-and-Fairies

Learn More With a Book About the Weather

Combine this weather activity with a fun book to learn even more. Here are some great weather books that I’d recommend:

Do want more STEM activities?

Wouldn’t it be so much fun to get STEAM family activities delivered to your inbox? I think so! That’s why I’ve created this fun series, STEAM Family Fun, to be delivered to your inbox. After going through all the letters in STEAM each week with a fun activity devoted to each, you’ll start receiving a fun STEAM activity once a month. (And I’ll also pop up in your inbox occasionally if I’ve got other fun things to share.)

Fill out the form below to start receiving STEAM Family Fun in your inbox.



Bead Threading Fine Motor Addition Activity

By

Fine motor and math is such a fun combination.

It turns math into a fun and hands-on activity. What could be better?

This Bead Threading Fine Motor Addition activity does just that. It turn addition in a hands-on activity that’s engaging and fun. Let’s grab some supplies and get started.

Exercise your fine motor skills while you practice your addition math facts with this fun bead threading fine motor addition activity.

Disclosure: CraftProjectIdeas.com provided the supplies used in this post. This activity and all ideas are my own. 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.

I love this activity because it requires just a little prep time. The supplies are common and easy to find and prepping this activity takes just a few short minutes.

Supplies needed for your fine motor addition activity

Fuzzy craft sticks (pipe cleaners)
Pony Beads
Flashcards or a place to write addition problems

Shop for pony beads here.

To prep this activity, take two or three of your pipe cleaners and twist them into a loop making sure you have two tails with enough room to string several beads. (See photo above for an example).

How to play this fine motor addition activity

This activity is so simple, but it’s a fun way to practice addition.

To start, you’ll need one of your pipe cleaner loops. Choose an addition problem and grab your beads.

Take the sum, 3 + 7. To solve this problem, add three beads to one of the pipe cleaner tails and then add seven beads to the second tail. Count up your beads to get your total, ten.

So easy, right?

Fun variations on this activity

There are so many fun ways you can mix up this activity. Here are a few:

Add beads yourself to your pipe cleaner loops and have your child write down the addition problem. For example, in the photo above, they’d write, 3+1=4, 3+2=5, and 3+7=10.

If you’re working with a preschooler, keep the pipe cleaners in a long stick and have your child work on numbers. Give them the number 9 and have them string nine beads on their pipe cleaner.

Create a busy bag from this activity. Add some flashcards, beads and pipe cleaner loops to a small bag. Now you can take this activity along on the go or have it ready for your child any time they want to work on addition.

Exercise your fine motor skills while you practice your addition math facts with this fun bead threading fine motor addition activity.

You may also like one of these math activities:

Addition Card Game: Addition War

Subtraction with Loose Parts Math Activity

Build Numbers with a Fun Place Value Activity

Thumbprint Addition at Rainy Day Mum

You’ll love these other fine motor math manipulatives

There is such a wealth of fine motor math manipulatives. Check out some of these options you can use for practicing math, subtraction, and more.

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.

Multiplication Practice with Jelly Bean Arrays

By

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:

Fun LEGO Math Games

By

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.

Thanksgiving Addition Game: Add & Fill Turkey

By

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been looking for some fun Thanksgiving math games, specifically a Thanksgiving addition game.

Luckily, I’ve got a great idea for you!

It’s time to grab some supplies and get creative. This Add and Fill Turkey game takes some prep time in the beginning, but it can be used over and over again.

Use addition to fill the turkey with this fun Thanksgiving Addition Game for kids. Roll the dice, add the numbers, and fill the turkey.

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.

I’ve always love this Race to Fill the Cup activity from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls. It’s simple and tons of fun. I’ve enjoyed it with my own girls when they were younger and it popped into my head when I was thinking of a Thanksgiving addition game to play.

That’s how this Add and Fill Turkey activity came about. I was inspired, added a few twists, made it more advanced, threw in a turkey, and voila – a fun new game.

Use addition to fill the turkey with this fun Thanksgiving Addition Game for kids. Roll the dice, add the numbers, and fill the turkey.

Supplies Needed for Your Turkey Addition Game

Brown, yellow, red, and orange construction paper
Small bathroom cup
Tape
Scissors
Glue
Black marker

Additional supplies needed to play the game

Pony beads, tribeads, mini erasers, or other small filler – enough to fill your bathroom cup
Pair of dice

Use addition to fill the turkey with this fun Thanksgiving Addition Game for kids. Roll the dice, add the numbers, and fill the turkey.

How to Make Your Thanksgiving Addition Game

Cut the pieces for your turkey from your construction paper.

Make a brown circle for the turkey head, a tiny yellow triangle for the beak, and a small red piece for the wattle. Also cut three feathers, one from each of the colors (except the brown) of construction paper. Make the feathers long enough to stick up over the top of your cup.

Glue your beak and the wattle to the middle of your brown circle. Use your marker to make a couple of eyes.

Use addition to fill the turkey with this fun Thanksgiving Addition Game for kids. Roll the dice, add the numbers, and fill the turkey.

Use the tape to attach the turkey feathers and the turkey head to your small bathroom cup.

Your turkey cup is ready to go. It’s time to play!

Use addition to fill the turkey with this fun Thanksgiving Addition Game for kids. Roll the dice, add the numbers, and fill the turkey.

How to play this Thanksgiving Math Game

This game is very easy to play. Throw the dice. Add the two numbers together and then put that many beads in your cup.

Keep throwing the dice, adding the numbers, and putting beads in your cup until your turkey up is full

How many dice will your turkey hold?

It can take awhile to fill your turkey cup. We had to throw the dice 30 times! If you want a shorter game, use a larger filler or aim to only fill the cup 1/2 way.

Fun Variations of This Addition Game

Make this a two person game. Make two turkey cups. The players can either take turns or race each other to find out who will fill their turkey cup first.

Find the total. After you add your two dice together, write down your answer before add your beads to the cup. Keep track of all the amounts and add them all together at the end to find out how many total beads are in your cup.

Use more dice. Throw three, four, or even five dice each time. Add them all together and put your beads in your cup.

What variation of this game would you try?

Use addition to fill the turkey with this fun Thanksgiving Addition Game for kids. Roll the dice, add the numbers, and fill the turkey.

More Math Games to Try

Pumpkin Pie Fractions Game

Telling Time With a Turkey Clock

Paper Plate Addition Game

Fun Addition Fact Games for Kids

My Must-Have Math Resources

My number one activity for helping my kids with math is to play a fun math game. There are so many fun ideas to make, but sometimes you just don’t have the time. In that case, here are some great games you can buy to keep on hand any time you want to have fun and practice math.

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.