How to Use a Number Maze to 30

I am a huge fan of dot-to-dots to teach kids how to count and learn their ABC's. In my "Yummy Math" program I use a simple transition from this concept by teaching the kids to create number mazes with Fruit Loops! Here is how.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Lay out tons and tons of fruit loops on the table for the kids to use for this activity.

2. 
    

   Give the kids the first number maze which goes from 0 to 30. Have the kids place Fruit Loops on the numbers in order to find their way to 30. They have to do this 4 separate times. You can create this simple grid using any drawing program such as Appleworks or Microsoft Works.

3. 
    

   Make the handouts smaller each time the kids do them, so that it becomes a more challenging fine motor exercise.

4. The next time the the kids do this activity, have them color the boxes instead of placing fruit loops on the boxes.

5. Then have them color the numbers in an AB pattern. That slows them down significantly and teaches them patterning. Then have them do an ABC pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have tons of Fruit Loops for the mazes and make sure to tell the kids whether or not they are allowed to eat the Fruit Loops while doing the activities.

[kkemp]

on 1/9/2009 Great article!