Funky Math Monkeys

crayola supplies

Twistables®
No-Run School Glue
Blunt-Tip Scissors
Construction Paper

household supplies

chenille sticks

Why

Get hooked on math with these easy-to-make Funky Math Monkeys. Link their arms and tails to add. Take them apart to subtract. What could be more fun?

Steps

1. Are you ready to make a whole group of Funky Math Monkeys? First, fold construction paper lengthwise. Use Crayola Twistables® to draw half circles for three monkey bodies along the fold. Make several sheets of monkeys.
2. Cut out your monkeys with Crayola Scissors. Decorate them with silly shirts, vivid vests, or nifty numerals if you like.
3. Draw monkey heads and feet on the leftover paper. Decorate with Twistables and cut them out.
4. To make arms and tails, place a chenille stick inside the fold of each monkey. Bend the tail out the bottom and the arm out the side. Lay the head and feet in place. Seal together with Crayola School Glue. Air-dry monkeys.
5. Link your monkeys by their tails and arms to count or add. Unlink them and you subtract! What math problems can you solve?

When & Where

"Our children wrote mathematical stories about the monkeys. Then they performed the math."
- Margarita D., home-school parent of ages 4 and 6.

"The scouts wrote the names of books they read on their monkeys. They made a reading monkey chain that’s growing with every meeting."
- Sylvia L., scout leader.

Interesting Info

There are at least 200 different kinds of monkeys. Most monkeys live in tropical regions and in forests. Some monkeys spend their entire lives in trees.

Safety Guidelines

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.