Paper Plate Math

Introduction
Many kids learn best when learning is combined with movement. Enabling kids to physically “jump” into the problem often helps facilitate the thinking process. This
game allows kids to use their energy to help practice math skills. It’s great for children who tend to fidget.

Learning Objective
Students practice math concepts while still being able to get up and move around.

Materials

• Four jump ropes
• 25 paper plates, each plate has a number clearly written in the center. Depending on the age group, numbers can vary from 1–25 or an assortment of large multi-digit numbers

Activity

1. The staff member connects the end of each jump rope to form one large circle on the floor.
2. Each paper plate is randomly laid on the floor in the circle. Students should be able to read each number. Tip: underline 6 and 9’s to avoid confusion.
3. Students each take a spot outside the jump rope facing the plates.
4. The staff member then calls out a number and a math operation, such as subtraction.
5. Students use the numbers in the circle and the
   identified math operation to reach an answer that matches the staff member’s called out number.
6. When a student has an answer, he or she says, “paper plate math” and jumps into the circle and touches the plates he or she used to reach the answer. The students must be careful to not touch or step on any other plates and must say the equation aloud.
7. If correct, that student gets to call out the next number and math operation. The caller must be sure that his/her number can be reached using the numbers in the circle and the identified operation.

Variations
For younger children, use fewer plates and/or keep the numbers to single digits. For older students, be sure to require the use of decimals, exponents, and percentages. For an extra challenge, ask students to compute the numbers without the assistance of paper and pencils.

View PDF

< Free Downloads

 

Up Next:  Find out about our Program Design Publications.