Pipe Cleaner Counting

This activity is ideal for preschool and young elementary school students!

A fun way to improve math skills in young students is through tactile learning! In preschool and elementary school, my teachers often used plastic counters or colorful blocks to demonstrate new math concepts to help us visualize the math. This activity is a fun and easy way to practice simple math skills at home, and is ideal for students learning to count! The activity can also be modified to practice simple addition/subtraction or even basic algebra.

Materials:

• Pipe Cleaners

• Paper

• Pen

• Glue

• Beads

Directions: Start by folding a piece of paper around one end of each pipe cleaner and gluing it in place.

Label each pipe cleaner with a different number (you can adjust the numbers/number of pipe cleaners to your student’s skill level!)

Have your student thread beads onto the pipe cleaners according to the number labeled on each

Encourage your student to double-check their math by recounting

For an added challenge, try using the pipe cleaners and beads to visualize simple addition and subtraction!

Challenge for older students: Using visuals is a great way to learn basic algebra! Leave one pipe cleaner blank as “x” and set up the rest of your equation. Have your student utilize the pipe cleaner/beads to solve for “x.”

Idea by: Kate, Laughing Kids Learn