Purchasing a math workbook or two to supplement what is being taught in the classroom is one way that you can help your child to understand basic math facts. Workbooks are available that teach one element of math, like addition or subtraction, or you can purchase a workbook that covers all basic math facts that are usually covered at different grade levels. Have your child help you when picking out a workbook that is visually appealing to her.
The place value system is based on the number 10. Create a 10-frame card---a rectangle shaped card divided into two rows with five boxes in each row. Give your child a number and ask him to place small markers, such as kernels of corn or coins, in the boxes to equal that number. For example, when you call out the number six, he will place coins in six of the boxes on the 10-frame card. Then ask your child how many more it would take to get 10. The 10-frame card can be used to illustrate basic addition and subtraction facts.
Teaching basic subtraction facts can be done through a game of bowling. Save 10 plastic 2-liter soda bottles to be used as the bowling pins. Set up the makeshift bowling pins and, using a kick ball, have your child take a turn bowling. After the first turn, your child will create a subtraction problem with the number 10 and the number of "pins" he has knocked down. Then he will do the same thing with the second turn. For example, if on his first turn he knocks down 4 and his second turn he knocks down 2, he will create two problems that look like 10-4=6 and 6-2=4.
You can practice basic math facts in ways that can cut through the boredom for those who struggle or are not really interested in the subject. Find online or interactive games that reinforce math concepts. Cooking can be a delicious way to work on counting and measuring. Candy pieces used as a visual for adding and subtracting numbers can be effective and rewarding. Playing card games where the objective is to add to a certain number without going over is another fun and interactive way to teach some basic math facts. You can even challenge your child to add up the price of the groceries as you put them in the cart to see how close her estimate is to the actual total.