{"id":27181,"date":"2016-03-03T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-03-03T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/?p=27181"},"modified":"2021-04-01T13:19:04","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T18:19:04","slug":"6-ways-math-without-math-book","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/6-ways-math-without-math-book\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Ways to Do Math Without a Math Book"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>I&rsquo;ve always been too afraid to ask, but I&rsquo;m 90% sure that math is my kids&rsquo; least favorite subject. I know that math books are great and are obviously beneficial in teaching math. But, I do think that even the best math programs can cause a lot of anxiety in our kids.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-41950 size-full\" title=\"6 Ways to Do Math Without a Math Book\" src=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-Do-Math-Without-a-Math-Book-FB.jpg\" alt=\"6 Ways to Do Math Without a Math Book\" width=\"720\" height=\"376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-Do-Math-Without-a-Math-Book-FB.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-Do-Math-Without-a-Math-Book-FB-600x313.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-Do-Math-Without-a-Math-Book-FB-300x157.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-Do-Math-Without-a-Math-Book-FB.jpg\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Written by Alicia Hutchinson of <a href=\"https:\/\/learningwellcommunity.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learning Well Community<\/a>.<\/em><\/div>\n<div id=\"sponsored\"><center><em>This post contains affiliate links. See full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/disclosure-policy\/\">disclosure policy<\/a> for more details.<\/em><\/center><\/div>\n<p>While I&rsquo;m not ready to throw away our books, I like to keep an open mind when it comes to math. I remind myself that <strong>it&rsquo;s okay&nbsp;if we don&rsquo;t finish the entire book or if we skip the first 30 lessons that are all review anyway.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The math that I use in my daily life doesn&rsquo;t come from a book, so there are a lot of things out in the world that can teach my kids math. Maybe even better than a book.<\/p>\n<h2>1. Play Games<\/h2>\n<p>Just doing a quick Google search of &ldquo;math games&rdquo; will give you tons of ideas, but here are a few we love:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3mdWVMI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Yahtzee<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li>War, but with adding or multiplying. When you both flip your <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3fA6kfV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>cards<\/strong><\/a> to play, your child adds or multiplies the two numbers.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Pj5t93\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Pizza Math<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>But you can find lots (and lots!) of other <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3fz8eha\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>math-related games for all ages<\/strong><\/a>!<\/p>\n<h2>2. Combine Groceries and Coupons<\/h2>\n<p>I love handing over coupons to the kids while we&rsquo;re shopping and having them figure out how much our food will be with coupon savings. Also, percentage discounts are great for real-world math practice, too.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-41952 size-full\" title=\"6 Ways to Do Math Without a Math Book\" src=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-do-Math-without-a-Math-Book-square.jpg\" alt=\"6 Ways to Do Math Without a Math Book\" width=\"669\" height=\"669\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-do-Math-without-a-Math-Book-square.jpg 669w, https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-do-Math-without-a-Math-Book-square-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-do-Math-without-a-Math-Book-square-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-do-Math-without-a-Math-Book-square-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-do-Math-without-a-Math-Book-square-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-do-Math-without-a-Math-Book-square-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 669px) 100vw, 669px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-do-Math-without-a-Math-Book-square.jpg\"><\/div>\n<h2>3. Read<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes literature can teach things in a way that regular instructions cannot. Here are a few great math books that won&rsquo;t feel too math-y to kids who&rsquo;d prefer doing just about anything else:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3dusBsW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Life of Fred series<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3ujflhP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">One Grain of Rice<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/31HMffu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sir Cumference series<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>4. Use Manipulatives<\/h2>\n<p>Using something other than words to demonstrate a math concept is excellent for visual learners. Use blocks, <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/39zzMPx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>snap cubes<\/strong><\/a>, paperclips, dice, <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3dutcLc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>counters<\/strong><\/a>, scales, money, even rocks&hellip;whatever you need to use to make it click for your child. If you have young children, this <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3ucH03H\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>rainbow counting bears set<\/strong><\/a> is super cute and can also be used for color matching, sorting, etc.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-27325 size-full\" title=\"Living Math\" src=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/living-math-1.jpg\" alt=\"Living Math\" width=\"603\" height=\"535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/living-math-1.jpg 603w, https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/living-math-1-600x532.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/living-math-1-300x266.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 603px) 100vw, 603px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/living-math-1.jpg\"><\/div>\n<h2>5. Use Real-Life Math Around the House<\/h2>\n<p>When we moved into our current house, you can imagine how much school<em> wasn&rsquo;t<\/em> going on. The fact that unpacking was taking up so much of our school time forced me to get creative to squeeze math in here and there. During that time, I would have my kids order pizza and calculate the total with tax.<\/p>\n<p>We had to tear out the carpeting, so I had my kids find the area of the flooring we&rsquo;d need to recover. Then, they calculated how much new flooring would cost. That&rsquo;s a lot of math!<\/p>\n<p>I also had them find the area of our bookshelves and determine how many books they would hold. Another &ldquo;assignment&rdquo; was figuring the amount of money we&rsquo;d need to set aside for plumbers based on their quotes.<\/p>\n<p>Using real-life to teach math is a great way to do it. Most of the time your kids will enjoy it because they&rsquo;ll see that it&rsquo;s useful, and you&rsquo;ll get some answers you really need in the process!<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-41951 size-full\" title=\"6 Ways to Do Math Without a Math Book\" src=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-Do-Math-Without-a-Math-Book-pin.jpg\" alt=\"6 Ways to Do Math Without a Math Book\" width=\"480\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-Do-Math-Without-a-Math-Book-pin.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-Do-Math-Without-a-Math-Book-pin-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-Do-Math-Without-a-Math-Book-pin.jpg\"><\/div>\n<h2>6. Put Technology to Work<\/h2>\n<p>Use your devices to teach math. Use apps, the calculator, or a <a href=\"https:\/\/hiphomeschoolmoms.com\/ctcmath-your-online-math-curriculum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>computer-based math curriculum<\/strong><\/a>. Sometimes the technology piece is the one your child might need to complete a math puzzle for them.<\/p>\n<p>I like to set aside a few days each quarter to put away&nbsp;the math texts for the day and just&nbsp;<em>do&nbsp;real math<\/em>. It&rsquo;s a great balance for my kids and a much-needed break from the regular routine. I hope these ideas have inspired you to take a little break too.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>What are some of your favorite ways to learn math without books?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>You Might Also Like<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-columnns\">\n<div class=\"one-third first related-blog\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/games-that-make-learning-fun\/\"><br>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/4-Simple-DIY-Games-That-Make-Learning-Fun-square-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/4-Simple-DIY-Games-That-Make-Learning-Fun-square.jpg\"><\/a><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/games-that-make-learning-fun\/\">4 Simple DIY Games That Make Learning Fun<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"one-third related-blog\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/learning-with-online-games-and-apps\/\"><br>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Learning-with-Online-Games-and-Apps-square-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Learning-with-Online-Games-and-Apps-square.jpg\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/learning-with-online-games-and-apps\/\"><strong>Learning with Online Games and Apps<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"one-third related-blog\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/homeschool-budget\/\"><br>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/16-Ways-to-Homeschool-on-a-Budget-square-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/16-Ways-to-Homeschool-on-a-Budget-square.jpg\"><\/a><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/homeschool-budget\/\">16 Ways to Homeschool on a Budget<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I&rsquo;ve always been too afraid to ask, but I&rsquo;m 90% sure that math is my kids&rsquo; least favorite subject. I know that math books are great and are obviously beneficial in teaching math. But, I do think that even the best math programs can cause a lot of anxiety in our kids. Written by Alicia&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":41952,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"","tag":"0"},"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[38,209],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27181","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-math","category-posts-by-alicia"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":38,"label":"Math"},{"value":209,"label":"Posts by Alicia"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-do-Math-without-a-Math-Book-square.jpg",500,500,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Alicia Hutchinson","author_link":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/author\/alicia_lfah\/"},"comment_info":3,"category_info":[{"term_id":38,"name":"Math","slug":"math","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":55,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":52,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":38,"category_count":52,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Math","category_nicename":"math","category_parent":0},{"term_id":209,"name":"Posts by Alicia","slug":"posts-by-alicia","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":227,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":30,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":209,"category_count":30,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Posts by Alicia","category_nicename":"posts-by-alicia","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/6-Ways-to-do-Math-without-a-Math-Book-square.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27181","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27181"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27181\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41952"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27181"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27181"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27181"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}