Are you looking for a fun and unique way to teach your child some math skills? Try chocolate gold dollars! No matter how old your child is, or what grade they’re in, some practice time at home is always a good idea. But instead of making it feel like dreary old homework, using fun props can make it feel like fun and excitement. Here are just some things you can teach with chocolate:
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Addition: You can play age-appropriate adding games with your child. A simple ‘I gave you two coins and then gave you two more’ are great visuals. As your child learns, you can make it more challenging. This can give a great boost in confidence and raise report card grades too.
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Subtraction: The same methods and games you used for addition can be used for subtraction as well. Start slow and with as few pieces as possible. As your child starts to grasp the concept you can make things more challenging.
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Fractions: Split some of the coins in half or even quarters to teach basic fractions. These are often a point of confusion for kids, so being able to see it in action can give them a greater understanding.
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Matching game: Use other foods and props like apples, oranges, buttons or anything you have around the house to develop a matching game. This is great for toddlers who are just learning. It can help teach them colors as well (pick all the red items, all the orange items, etc.).
So what happens when you’re finished your math session? Let your child eat one piece of chocolate, as a reward for their great work. Give them a piece of fruit or some cut up veggies along with their chocolate gold dollars so they will get a nutritious snack. Before you know it, they’ll have those math skills mastered.
