Hands-Up Math

crayola supplies

Crayons
Erasable Colored Pencils
Markers
Blunt-Tip Scissors

household supplies

oak tag or poster board
clear plastic adhesive (such as Con-Tact® paper) (optional)

Why?

What do those symbols mean? How are they used? Dig into math operations with these colorful learning tools!

Steps

1. Choose a numeral from 0 to 9 or a math symbol such as the plus, minus, multiplication, division, or equal sign. You may need several of each numeral.
2. Using a Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencil on oaktag or poster board, sketch your numeral or symbol large enough to fill the paper.
3. Fill the numeral or symbol with various patterns and designs using colored pencils and Crayola Washable Markers.
4. Cut out your Hands-Up Math pieces with Crayola Scissors.
5. For extra strength, cover your numerals and signs in clear plastic adhesive.
6. Use Hands-Up Math to solve problems, demonstrate math concepts, and keep score when you play games.

adaptations

Students, including those in special education classes, work with partners or in small groups to practice the math concepts they are studying, using these numerals and symbols.

Display the numbers on a hallway bulletin board for an eye-catching math exhibit.

Use these symbols to keep score with playground or indoor games.

benefits

Students recognize and can explain the meaning of various signs and symbols used in math, such as add, subtract, equal, multiply, divide, and square root.

Depending on their level of math development, children recognize numbers, count, add, subtract, divide, or multiply, do integers or bases, or find square roots.

Students create a set of distinctive patterned numerals and signs to use when depicting math operations.

grades

Pre-K and Kindergarten
Grades 1 to 3
Grades 4 to 6
Special Needs

subjects

Math
Visual Arts

time

Less than 1/2 hour
30 to 60 minutes

curriculum standards links

US: Research U.S. Standards
UK: Research UK Standards
Canada: Research Canada Standards

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.