These activities are appropriate
for grades 3 – 8. I use these games as a way
to build spatial awareness. Math activity stations
can be set up throughout your classroom for students
to engage with when they are finished with other
work.
Math Games
Using Cuisenaire Rods
Tower Of Hanoii
On a piece of paper, draw 3
large circles next to each other. Label them A,
B and C.
Start with three Cuisenaire
rods of different shapes stacked like a pyramid
in the center circle.
The goal is to shift all three
rods from the center circle to one of the outside
circles, while following these rules:
You can only move one piece
at time
Pieces must be taken from
the top of the pile and placed in either an empty
circle or on top of an existing pile
Only smaller pieces may be
placed on top of larger pieces
Once you have completed three
successfully, try four and then five
Work your way up to a tower
of seven
Cuisenaire Rod Pictures
Set up graph paper that matches
the size of the rods.
Have students form pictures
using the rods on the paper and outline the design.
Other students can then try
to replicate the design on their own with their
rods.
They can also put parameters
around their designs, for example asking if they
can make the design just using the given rods.
(all red or one of each color, etc.)
Pattern Blocks
Set up graph paper that matches
the sizes of the pattern block.
Have students form pictures
using the blocks on the paper and outline the design.
Other students can then try
to replicate the design on their own with their
pattern blocks.
Pictures may be colored.
Tangrams
Use tangram blocks or cut some
out using card stock paper.
Have students practice putting
them together to form a perfect square.
Students can also form pictures
using all the pieces and outlining it on a blank
piece of paper.
Other students try to replicate
this picture using their own blocks.
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