Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to practice arithmetic skills while having fun at the playground.
Materials and Prep
- No materials required.
- Prior knowledge of addition, subtraction, and multiplication is helpful.
Activities
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Counting Challenge:
While at the playground, count how many swings, slides, and see-saws you can find. Write down the numbers and add them together to find the total number of play equipment at the playground.
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Jumping Math:
Choose a starting number and a number to jump by. Start at the starting number and take jumps according to the chosen number. For example, if you start at 5 and choose to jump by 3, you will jump to 8, then 11, then 14, and so on. Practice addition while having fun jumping!
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Slide Subtraction:
Find a slide that has numbers marked on its steps. Choose two numbers and slide down from the higher number to the lower number. Count how many steps you slide down and find the difference between the two numbers. This will help you practice subtraction.
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Multiplication Maze:
Draw a simple maze on the ground at the playground. Place numbers inside the maze. Start at the entrance and navigate through the maze, multiplying the numbers you encounter along the way. Reach the exit by solving multiplication problems and finding the correct path. This activity will help you practice multiplication skills.
Third Grade Talking Points
- "Mathematics is all around us, even at the playground!"
- "Counting helps us keep track of things. Let's count the swings, slides, and see-saws at the playground."
- "Jumping and adding numbers is a fun way to practice addition. Let's give it a try!"
- "Subtraction can be as exciting as sliding down a slide. Let's find out the difference between two numbers while having fun!"
- "Multiplication is like navigating through a maze. We can solve multiplication problems and find our way to the exit!"