Cut two 6-inch circles for each fact wheel. Cut a 1/2-by-1/2 inch notch out of the side of one circle. Measure a 1/2-inch space and draw a 1/2-inch square next to the notch. Line up both circles and cut a hole through the exact center of the circle. Write "1 +" next to the center of the wheel. Write "1" on the bottom wheel through the 1/2-by-1/2-inch square. Rotate the wheel to a blank space. Write the number "1" in the box a second time followed by the answer, "2" written on the bottom wheel through the notch. Rotate the bottom wheel and write a "2" in the square and a "3" in the notch. Continue for the rest of the wheel until you reach "1 + 20 = 21." Make wheels for all the addition and subtraction facts through 20. Give the wheels to the children to practice and check their math facts.
Recipes are the best way to teach children how to recognize and measure volume. Using 1/2- or 1/4-cup measuring cups introduces the child to early fractions. Show children how to measure the volume of liquid and dry ingredients. Choose recipes that require little or no cutting and cooking. They can make trail mix, fruit salad and pudding by measuring and mixing the right ingredients. Choose times to cook with children when the kitchen can be messy to reduce adult frustration. It's also important to teach children that part of cooking is cleaning up afterwards.
Introduce children to two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes with toothpicks and gumdrops. Give each child a handful of both gumdrops and toothpicks. Start with a simple square by sticking four toothpicks into four gumdrops, then connecting them together to form a square. Make a second square and attach the two squares together with four additional toothpicks to form a cube. Talk the class through building triangles, pyramids and hexagons with their toothpicks and gumdrops. After the lesson, enjoy the gumdrops.
Understanding patterns is a vital skill for advanced math. Place a series of numbers on the board. Start with something simple like 2, 4, 6 and 8. Ask the child to predict the next number, and why that number might fit, such as adding two each time. Try out the formula. As the child gains proficiency, make the pattern more complex such as 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 13, where each number is added to the number before to create the next digit.