Depositing money earned on odd jobs is very motivating. It teaches kids the value of savings, helps them practice math in a productive way, and makes them feel pretty important. Even young kids will learn to be more money-smart as they grow. Have kids predict the distance from one place to another on a walking, bike, or car trip. This builds an appreciation of distance and reinforces number skills.
Older kids can use a map to help plan a family vacation or a day trip.
Asking your child to make predictions is a great way to actively engage his brain and then confirm his answers. If success is measured as getting within 10 or 25 cents of the correct price, this also broadens what's meant by right or wrong. Here the task is getting close, not necessarily getting it right. That can come later, when kids feel more confident and competent with numbers and math concepts. By Jerome J. Schultz, Ph.D. This item has been edited by Learning Network staff.