Just after dinner, and right before bed, you are treated to
a little bit of quality time with your child as you give them a bath. And while
you may treat this tradition as a chance for your child to splash around without
a care in the world, introducing a bit of simple mathematics into the routine can
help elicit incredible results. The next time your child gets in the tub, try
these fun kids math activities for some excitement under the water!
Count the Pool
Noodles
For this interactive kids bath game, you need one or two
hollow pool noodles, and a pair of scissors. Cut the pool noodles in equal
slices about three inches long. Then, toss the noodle pieces into the tub with
your child during bath time. For the kids math activity, have them count the
noodles in the tub as you scrub them down. For a bit of added fun to this kids
bath game, add noodle pieces in a variety of colors, and have your child count
and categorize them accordingly.
Which Cup Has More?
This kids bath game is interactive and exciting, and only
requires that you bring three or four identical cups into the bathroom. Fill
each of the cups with bath water, making sure that each cup has a different
amount of water inside. Then, have your child examine the water levels, and ask
them which cup has the most and the least of all of them. This basic learning
game will help your child understand the differences between amounts of liquid
in containers.
Water Balloon Math
If you have a bag of water balloons lying around, this
interesting learning game for kids will get your child adding and subtracting
in no time. Take a permanent marker, and write the numbers 1-10 on the
balloons, with each balloon containing a different digit. Then, during bath
time, fill up each one of the balloons with your child, making sure that the number
is apparent on the sides of each balloon.
To start the kids bath game, have your child take a balloon
in each hand and add together the numbers. You can have them try their skills
at subtraction, multiplication, and even division as well, and watch how much
they retain with this easy learning game.
Domino Bath Mats
This simple learning game for kids is a great way to include
visual objects in the learning process. For this kids bath game, you will need
different colored pieces of foam, as well as a permanent marker. Cut the foam
into identically shaped small rectangular pieces – ideally these will be 3.5
inches tall by 5 inches wide. Then, using the permanent marker, draw a number
on one side, and draw single dots on the other side that correspond to the
number (for example, if you draw the digit ‘7’ on one side, the other side will
have 7 individual dots, looking like a single domino).
Now that you have your foam dominos, toss them in the bath with
your child, and let them count the dots, add together the numbers, and try
anything else with this great learning game for kids.
Kids Math Activities in
the Tub
If your child loves to
learn, then including some education into bath time is a wonderful way to get
their mind churning before bed. And if your little one is a budding math whiz,
try these effective learning games for kids to build their knowledge as you
scrub them down.