Could there be anything that says, "Summer is here!" better than a pool noodle? (Okay, we think ice cream cones, sunblock, sand pails, s'mores, flip flops, and sunglasses make a strong case too, but you get our point!) In honor of the classic swimming pool plaything we all know and love, we decided to take learning out of the classroom with three fun math games kids can play with pool noodles. Read on to find out more!
Before you begin any of the following activities, you'll want to make sure you have a few supplies on hand. It's no big surprise you will need several pool noodles, so if you're not ready to cut up the ones you already have, we recommend picking some up at your local dollar store (or anywhere pool toys are sold). We bought four pool noodles in different colors. Make sure you also have a black permanent marker, a pack of sidewalk chalk, and a sharp kitchen knife. (We strongly recommend that an adult handles the kitchen knife at all times.)
Practice calculating elapsed time with this simple game that can be played with sidewalk chalk and a single pool noodle. Using the pool noodle as a number line, lay it down in the driveway or on the sidewalk. Mark a start time with chalk at the beginning of the number line. Mark an end time at the end of the number line. Kids must calculate how much time has passed by filling in the number line and writing the elapsed time.
Want to add a bit of a challenge? Set a timer to see how fast your little learner can solve the problem. Set up two pool noodle number lines so children can compete against each other. Or challenge them to solve a series of elapsed time number lines in a row.
Here's a fun way to visualize fractional parts! This activity involves a little prep work, but it comes together very easily. Again, make sure an adult handles the kitchen knife at all times. Use the knife to cut up two pool noodles into segments that show a whole, halves, thirds, fourths, fifths, and sixths. Label the fractional parts with a permanent marker. If you don't have access to a swimming pool, spread out all the pieces on the grass, making sure they are all mixed up. Otherwise, float those noodle pieces right in the water! Kids will sort through the fractional parts and put them together to show parts of the whole (see our picture).
Turn this activity into a fun game by challenging kids to beat a timer, work together, or even listen as you call out different fractions for them to make with the pieces. ("Make 2 and 1/6!")
This activity sets up very similar to the fractions activity above. Cut a pool noodle into equal parts. Label each piece with the numbers 1 through 20. Float all the pieces in the pool. Kids have to hunt for all the numbers that fit a special category of your choosing—prime or composite numbers, even or odd numbers, multiples, etc.
This game is especially fun to play in a swimming pool. Kids will love splashing around trying to find all the special numbers. You could even cut up an extra noodle or two and make more number pieces!
We are all about summertime fun, and we hope these exciting math games will help your little learners make lots of fun summer memories while exercising their noodles! (You were waiting for us to sneak in a noodle pun, weren't you?)
Let us know if you try out these pool noodle math games this summer! Drop us a line in the comment section below. Looking for more interactive math practice activities to keep those skills sharp while school's out? Check out all we have to offer on iKnowIt.com!
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