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Adding and Subtracting Numbers

Write addition and subtraction problems on cards, and use the Make Eight Mat as a number line. If the math problem says 6+2, then stand on 6 and take 2 steps forward to 8! For subtraction problems, walk backward or head toward the 1.

Clipboard Math

Clip a math worksheet on a clipboard. Have your child figure out the answers to the math problems by walking or jumping on the mat.

Countdown

Have students pretend they are on a rocket ready for blast-off. Have one student start on the 8 and count down as they jump down the mat. Have the class shout the count down along with the jumper, 8, 7, …2, 1, blastoff. Have everyone jump up and clap while saying “blast-off!”

Race-to-Eight

Start on zero. Roll one die. Take the number of steps on the die. The first one to reach exactly eight wins. If the roll of the second die yields a number that causes you to exceed eight, go back to zero.

Race-to-One

Start on eight. Roll one die. Take the number of steps on the die. The first one to reach exactly zero wins. If the roll of the second die yields a number that causes you to surpass zero, go back to eight.

Make Eight

Say to a student, “Choose a number and then walk to it.” Ask the student, “How many steps would you have to take to reach eight?” Child figures it out (either visually or can jump to eight) and answers. For example, if they choose to stand on 6, then answer that it would take 2 […]

Hopscotching the Numbers

Have students start on START HERE. Have students say “one” while hopping with one foot on the numeral one. Then have students jump with two feet on the two, clap, and say “two.” Continue alternating between one foot and two-footed hops to the end of the mat. Be sure that your student says the numerals […]

Bean Bag Decides

Throw a bean bag on the Make Eight Floor Mat. Jump to the bean bag alternating between one and two-footed hops. Pick up the bean bag and say the numeral underneath where the bean bag landed.

Hop by 10

Have students begin at ten. Have them step or hop on each block and say the number out loud. Continue until they reach 1,000. Then, try to go backward!

Hop by 20

Have students begin at twenty. Have them hop on every other block and say the number.“20, 40, 60, 80…” Continue until they reach 1,000. Then, try to go backward!