Here are some simple and inexpensive ideas for creating a math tool kit at home to help your child with doing math activities.
Counters: They can be used for counting objects in a set, identifying and comparing quantities, and solving addition or subtraction equations with a ten frame. Use small items like beads, dried beans, bingo chips or buttons.
Ten Frame: This visual is useful for developing number sense within the concept of 10 (more/less than, equal to, composing/decomposing, adding/subtracting and place value).
Number Line or Number Chart: Refer to these visuals for number sequencing and formation, counting forward/backwards, skip counting by 2s, 5s and 10s, and for learning number patterns.
Straws or Popsicle Sticks: These items can be used for learning place value. We introduce the concept of place value at school by bundling straws into groups of 10s and counting the 1s. We then bundle the groups of 10s into a group of 100. Straws or popsicle sticks can also be used for constructing 2-D shapes of different sizes.
Set of Dice: Have some dice around for playing math games like snakes & ladders or games involving probability. Dice Game
Deck of Cards: There are many fun card games like High & Low that help develop mental mathematical skills (e.g. concentration, memory, counting) and patience in taking turns with other players.
Other handy math tools to have around are a ruler, coins of different values, small containers or egg cartons for sorting.