Activities – Page 2 – Denise Gaskins' Let's Play Math

Math Game Monday: Factors and Multiples

Posted on March 2, 2026January 25, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

$Learn a new math game every week, for free$

This game blends strategy and factoring practice, challenging players to think several steps ahead.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

Factors and Multiples

Math Concepts: multiplication, division, factors and multiples.

Players: two to four.

Equipment: printed hundred chart, pencils or markers. Calculator optional.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Factors and Multiples

Thinking Thursday: William F. Osgood

Posted on February 26, 2026January 25, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

Writing to Learn Math: What did the author mean? Put the thought in your own words. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Do you want your children to develop the ability to reason creatively and figure out things on their own?

Help kids practice slowing down and taking the time to fully comprehend a math topic or problem-solving situation with these classic tools of learning: Notice. Wonder. Create.

Continue reading Thinking Thursday: William F. Osgood

Math Game Monday: Strike It Out

Posted on February 23, 2026January 25, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

$Learn a new game with Math Game Monday$

This game features addition and subtraction on a number line, along with strategic thinking.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children. And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s play some math!

Strike It Out

Math Concepts: addition, subtraction, thinking ahead.

Players: only two.

Equipment: pencil or pen, blank paper.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Strike It Out

Thinking Thursday: Gadgets Galore

Posted on February 19, 2026January 25, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

Writing to Learn Math: When students create their own math, they forge a personal connection to mathematical concepts and relationships. And it’s fun!

Do you want your children to develop the ability to reason creatively and figure out things on their own?

Help kids practice slowing down and taking the time to fully comprehend a math topic or problem-solving situation with these classic tools of learning: Notice. Wonder. Create.

Continue reading Thinking Thursday: Gadgets Galore

Math Game Monday: Bowling (Shut the Box)

Posted on February 16, 2026January 25, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

$Learn a new game with Math Game Monday$

This game is fun for all ages, but especially good for elementary children just beginning to think about probability.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children.

And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

Bowling (Shut the Box)

Math Concepts: addition, probability.

Players: solitaire.

Equipment: two six-sided dice, pencil and paper.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Bowling (Shut the Box)

Thinking Thursday: Exponential Folds

Posted on February 12, 2026January 25, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

Writing to Learn Math: People learn math by playing with ideas. A math journal can be like a science lab book.

Do you want your children to develop the ability to reason creatively and figure out things on their own?

Help kids practice slowing down and taking the time to fully comprehend a math topic or problem-solving situation with these classic tools of learning: Notice. Wonder. Create.

Continue reading Thinking Thursday: Exponential Folds

Math Game Monday: What’s My Rule?

Posted on February 9, 2026January 25, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

$Learn a new game with Math Game Monday$

This game challenges upper-elementary and middle school students to reason about number properties.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children.

And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

What’s My Rule?

Math Concepts: Venn diagrams, factors and multiples, divisibility, prime numbers, and other number properties.

Players: two or more.

Equipment: pencil and paper, or whiteboard and markers. Calculator optional.

Continue reading Math Game Monday: What’s My Rule?

Thinking Thursday: Goose and Grapes

Posted on February 5, 2026January 7, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

Writing to Learn Math: Problem-solving cares less about whether an answer is right and more about whether a solution makes sense.

Do you want your children to develop the ability to reason creatively and figure out things on their own?

Help kids practice slowing down and taking the time to fully comprehend a math topic or problem-solving situation with these classic tools of learning: Notice. Wonder. Create.

Continue reading Thinking Thursday: Goose and Grapes

Math Game Monday: Target Ten

Posted on February 2, 2026January 7, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

$Learn a new math game every week, for free$

This equation game for elementary students builds creative, flexible thinking about addition and subtraction.

Many parents remember struggling to learn math. We hope to provide a better experience for our children.

And one of the best ways for children to enjoy learning is through hands-on play.

Target Ten

Math Concepts: addition, subtraction, multistep calculation.

Players: any number.

Equipment: one deck of math cards, pencils and paper, timer (optional).

Continue reading Math Game Monday: Target Ten

Thinking Thursday: Ernest Hemingway

Posted on January 29, 2026January 7, 2026 by Denise Gaskins

Writing to Learn Math: What did the author mean? Put the thought in your own words. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Do you want your children to develop the ability to reason creatively and figure out things on their own?

Help kids practice slowing down and taking the time to fully comprehend a math topic or problem-solving situation with these classic tools of learning: Notice. Wonder. Create.

Continue reading Thinking Thursday: Ernest Hemingway