When teaching addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, using sets can be a great way to offer instruction. Make sure you use bright colors. Use construction paper to cut squares, circles and triangles. For example, lay out two sets of shapes. Have your child identify how many squares are in the first set and how many circles are in the second set. Allow your child to add the two sets to produce the answer. Flashcard games are excellent ways to reinforce the four mathematical disciplines. You can play a game where getting eight out of 10 or more flashcards correct leads to a reward or treat. You can use card games such as Go Fish to help your child with number-matching concepts.
Puzzles help your child develop problem solving and critical thinking. Puzzles can be simple for younger children and more challenging for older children. Puzzles that ask how many items of a certain color are found within a picture are great games for younger children. Matching puzzles where the written version of a number is matched with its numerical version are good for helping your child understand numbers. Puzzles that ask your child to identify shapes are a great way to introduce your young child to geometry.
Stimulate your child's mind with word problems. Use fruit to make math fun. For example, take two apples, two bananas and two oranges. Use various combinations and scenarios to teach addition and subtraction. If you want to involve positive reinforcement with your math game, cut the fruit into slices. When your child gets questions correct, give them a piece of fruit. If your child is 5 or older you can introduce her to counting money. Start with pennies because they are a simple denomination to work with. Take items such as books and cups, and attach imaginary costs to those items. Let your child add and subtract to buy and sell the items you're playing with.