Let’s face it, most kids don’t like to practice their math facts. But Crazy 8s kids do! Kids tossed a numbered beach ball at each other and hardly noticed they were practicing math. Like sneaking broccoli into the hot fudge sundae, just without the broccoli (or the ice cream).
Why are kids happier if they know their math facts cold? Because as they learn more advanced skills, they can focus on the cool problems they can solve, instead of stopping to wonder what 5 x 6 is. Math never needs to be a grind. Give kids their math wings!
Design Your Ball
Add numbers to a ball you already have. You’ll need a lightweight ball, masking tape and a permanent marker.
- Cut several pieces (about 1 inch each) of masking tape.
- Spread the pieces of tape around all sides of the ball.
- Write one number on each piece of tape. The numbers on our ball range from 1 to 9.
How to Play
Toss the beach ball back and forth between you. Whoever catches it finds the 2 numbers closest to their thumbs, then follows the rule for that round:
- Say which number is bigger
- Say which number is smaller (these are great for PreK and Kindergarten)
- Add the two numbers
- Subtract the smaller number from the greater number
- Make a 2-digit number, and say how many 10s it has
- Multiply the two numbers
- Or make up your own rules!
