M&M candy can be used to teach graphing. Give each child a bag of M&M candy and a grid with one column for each color. As students remove the candy from the bag, they should put each piece in the correct color row. Teach them to compare the number of M&Ms in each row. Graphing the colors will help the students understand the concept of graphing. M&Ms can also be used to count, sort and compare.
Create grid boards similar to those used in bingo. Put randomly ordered answers that match the concept you are currently teaching, putting one in each square. Beginning addition, subtraction and fraction lessons can be reinforced by playing this game. You should state a math problem to students. Any child with the correct answer on their board should cover it with a marker, trying to get five in a row. Remember that you can put a free space in the middle square.
Primary students should understand patterns in math. Introduce this concept with colorful beads. Place patterns, using the colors or shapes of the beads, on 3-by-5-inch index cards. Let students use a string and beads to reconstruct the pattern that they find on the card. Students can also construct their own patterns on one string and leave it for the next child to recreate on another string.
Students must understand the concept of place value in the primary grades. Make a life-size mat with a roll-end of newspaper print. Divide the paper into sections and write the place values, starting on the right with ones. Use the place values appropriate for your students' age group. Give students a number from 0 to 9. Read a number and have students stand by the place value held by their number. For example, if you read the number 372, the child with the 3 would stand in the hundreds section, and the children holding 7 and 2 would stand in the tens and ones sections, respectively.