Sidewalk Chalk Hopscotch Math Games
Step 1 – Draw a large 5 x 5 grid on the ground using chalk.
Step 2 – Fill the squares with the numbers 1 to 25 randomly.
Step 3 – Gather children ages 3 to 9 and get hopping! Try the following hopping games to reinforce and practice arithmetic skills:
- Number Sequencing – Hop on each number in order from 1 through 5, then 1 through 10, then 1 through 15, then 20 and then 25.
- Odd/Even Numbers – Hop on the odd or even numbers in order.
- Pre-subtraction – Hop on each number from 5 through 1, then 10 through 1, then 15, 20 and 25 through 1.
- Addition – Start at 1 then add 2 each time, then 3, 4 etc. Repeat starting at 2, then 3 etc.
- Subtraction – Start at 10, then subtract 2 each time, then 3, then 4. Repeat starting at 15, 20 and 25.
- Times Tables – Hop through the 2, 3, 4 and 5 times tables.
For each game, start with easy questions so your children get a chance to enjoy the hopping and get some oxygen to their brains before tackling the harder questions. Stop while they’re still enjoying it. For easier games, try a 3 x 3 or a 4 x 4 grid. For math whizzes, try a 10 x 10 grid (but only if they draw it out themselves). (Source: http://imaginationsoup.net?2011/03/17/hopscotch-math/)
Sidewalk Chalk Dice Game
Draw 12 circles and write the number inside each one up to 12. Then let your kids throw dice and add them up, and hop as many spaces as they rolled.
Sidewalk Chalk Calculator Game
Draw an oversized calculator with chalk on the sidewalk or driveway. To play, a person throws a stone on the calculator to indicate the number you have to jump to. When you jump on the number on the calculator you have to figure out how to make the number (addition, subtraction, multiplication or division). For example, if the stone lands on 4, then you hop to the 2 and then multiplication sign, jump to 2 and then jump to the equal sign and hop back to the 4.
(Source: http://eisforexplore.blogspot.com/2012/05/kid-calculator.html?m=1)
Sidewalk Chalk Subtraction Game
Gather two bean bags and write numbers 1 through 25 on the sidewalk. Throw bean bags on two numbers and subtract the smaller number from the larger one to get the score for the round.
(Source: at:http://www.education.com/activity/article/sidewalk-chalk-subtraction/)
This article was written by Marilyn Albertson –USU Extension Associate Professor, Salt Lake County