Beach Ball Math
Introduction
Because this game allows kids to move while they practice their math skills, it engages many youth who prefer kinesthetic or tactile learning activities.
Learning Objective
Kids will learn and review grade-level appropriate multiplication, division, addition,
and subtraction facts.
Materials
- Beach ball
- Permanent marker
Activity
- Students stand in a circle.
- Explain: “We are going to play beach ball math. When you catch the ball look at where your hands land. You, the catcher, use those two numbers to form an equation that you will either add, subtract, multiply or divide. Say the equation so that the group can hear. Then, as a group, we all say the equation and the answer. Then toss the ball to someone else, who will repeat the same process.”
- Give an example.
- Say: “Let’s see how quickly we can come up with equations and solve them.”
- Toss the ball to the first student to begin the game.
Example
- Toss the ball.
- The catcher’s hands land on 7 and 9. The catcher states the equation or
problem for everyone. In this example, she chooses to multiply. The catcher says, “7 x 9.”
- The whole group repeats the equation and answers it. For example, they would say, “7 x 9 = 63.”
- The catcher tosses the ball to someone else.
Variations
- On the beach ball, add the operation symbol next to the number.
- Practice only one math operation (multiplication, addition, subtraction, or
division) per round of the game. - Use fewer numbers on the beach ball.
- Use more complex numbers such as double and triple digit numbers, square roots, or fractions on the beach ball.
- Allow students to use multiple math operations in each turn.
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