Bright Ideas

To help your kids learn

© 2005 Possibilities, Inc.

Practice makes perfect

Doing something is the best way to learn.Let your kids use their math and reading to do everyday things.This helps them understand why they need to know it.

Read, read, read!BooksRecipesMagazinesSigns

If they can’t read, have them find letters or numbers in the words.

Reading tips

Talk about what you readAsk questions to see how much they understoodIf there are pictures, talk about the picturesHave them guess what happens nextHave them tell/read you a story

More reading tips

Ask what they did and didn’t like about the storyFor older kids, ask what they thought the character’s motivations wereWhat would they do in the same situation?

Colors

Talk about colors in food, clothes, rooms, etc.Sort toys by color or into colored storage boxes. Sort socks by colorUse colored paper plates, napkins, utensils

CountingCounting dishes as set tableCounting # of jeans, towels, etc. to put in washerCounting socksCounting # of apples to buyIngredients for cookingPlay number games like Skipbo, Monopoly, etc.

Fractions

Measuring cups and spoonsReducing/enlarging recipesSplitting restaurant check

In the car

Reading map– Estimating distance– Estimating driving timeGiving you directionsReading road signsPlay games– Find alphabet letters in

order on signs or car tags– Find numbers in order

In the car

Figuring gas mileagePaying for gas– Getting correct

amount of cash– Learning to use

credit card• Check to make sure

charge is correct

Phone

Learn how to answer phoneIdentify numbers by dialingKeep up with cell phone usage (minutes left)Read phone book to find numbers

CookingMeasuring cups and spoons – fractionsEnlarge and shrink recipes to teach add/subtract and multiply/divideRead recipesCounting – “beat by hand 50 times”Set microwave/stove – number recognition and readingSetting timer – number recognitionFiguring out how to time different things so they are all ready on time

Grocery shopping

Meal planning to make grocery list– Choosing menus– Reading

ingredientsReading labels Reading ingredients – good practice if allergic to some foods

More grocery shopping

Finding itemsBudgetingPrice comparisons – which is better valueSize comparisons – which has more

Shopping

BudgetingDeciding which store to go toUsing map to get thereReading/following directions

More shopping. . .

Money recognitionPaying for items – Money recognition– Learning to write

checks– Learning to use

credit card• Check to make sure

amount charged is correct

Still shopping!

Finding items in the store Finding right size (reading labels)Color recognitionReading pricesEstimating sale price from % off– 25% off $19.99 is how

much?Estimating sales tax

Yard work

Identify plants and treesPlant careLearn what plants will grow well in your climateEstimate number of plants needed for the spaceBudgeting

Family calendar

Learning to use calendarRead days of week and monthsTime for eventsEstimate when to get ready and leave to arrive on timeLearning to write times on correct days

Restaurants & Drive-insReading menuMaking choicesStaying in budget– Don’t forget tax and

tip!Ordering PayingTable manners!Conversation

Banking

Counting moneyMaking depositsWriting checksPaying billsBalancing bank statementsTalking with tellers