Let’s face it—counting worksheets and math textbooks can be kinda, well, boring. And more learning is the last thing most kids want to do when they’re not in the classroom. But what if math could actually be fun?

It totally can be! Try sneaking math into everyday activities. Game-ifying chores or turning shopping trips into problem-solving challenges are ways to keep your kids’ brains engaged without even knowing they’re learning. Here are five ideas to turn those mundane tasks into math adventures.

1. Make it a game

Sneak in some learning by turning those boring chores into challenges that make them think! Laundry sorting is way more fun when it’s a race to “Fold four pairs of socks” or “Find three blue shirts.” Use a timer, or let siblings compete against each other to up the ante. The loser has to put the winner’s clothes away! 

Draw a massive board game on the driveway with sidewalk chalk, or play hopscotch to get them counting and moving. Younger kids might enjoy classic board games like Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, or Connect 4 to practice counting, shape recognition, and basic strategy. Your older kids will love counting Monopoly money or flexing their probability and decision-making skills with games like Ticket to Ride or Catan.  

2. Practice with money 

Real-life scenarios, like tagging along for your weekly shopping trip, can offer some sneaky math lessons. Give your kids a set amount of money and let them choose items while staying within the family’s budget. Point out store discounts and show them how to calculate prices and estimate the final bill. 

3. Listen to Mysteries About True Histories Podcast

Affectionately (and appropriately) called the M.A.T.H. podcast by fans, this weekly adventure show is perfect for kids ages six and up. Lead characters Max and Molly time-travel to places like Ancient Greece, Isaac Newton’s England, and even the International Space Station as they solve math and logic problems created by their arch nemeses, The Troublesome Trolls. M.A.T.H. seamlessly blends storytelling with learning, history, geography, and even kid-friendly humor. Tune in every Thursday for a brand-new episode wherever you listen to podcasts. 

4. Try hands-on building activities

Construct forts, towers, or anything your kids’ imaginations dream up. Turn Legos, blocks, or even cardboard boxes into exciting construction projects. Encourage your kiddo to plan and measure using rulers, tape measurers, or other tools to find angles and dimensions. If they get stuck, challenge them to problem-solve to fit pieces together. 

5. Find patterns and shapes

See if your kids can spot patterns and shapes when you’re in public or hanging out in nature. Look for designs in the trees, flowers, or spiderwebs, or watch for cool cloud formations. You can also point out geometric designs in architecture or everyday objects around your house. 

See, it’s not that difficult to find math in our daily lives, is it? The key to this kind of natural learning is making the subject fun and relevant. By incorporating these simple activities into your daily routine, you’ll help your child develop essential math skills and hopefully, a love for all kinds of learning.

What kind of math activities is your family doing?

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