Last updated on January 20th, 2021 at 08:43 am .
Every kid has LEGO blocks around that they love to make castles and robots from. Truth be told, LEGO blocks are readily used for building colorful arrangements, but guess what? It can be effectively used to teach math skills to first-graders. These plastic blocks help creatively develop proportional information and spatial awareness among students.
LEGO blocks are outlined with studs in the forms of two and students can count them (math skills, right there). Kids can count these studs and make arrangements. As a result, harnessing math concepts will be understandable in an interactive and fun way. In this article, we’ll be sharing with you how LEGO is the prime choice for teaching math to first graders!
Table of Contents
Duplo Blocks
First graders need to get familiar with the numbers, ranging from one to ten, in an easy to understand manner. Learning these numbers in a fun and interactive way will improve their understanding. With LEGO blocks, the students get engaged while learning At the same time. LEGO blocks are actual lifesavers for teachers and parents, so pick up the Duplo blocks as they are bigger, making them perfect for small hands.
For instance, one can download the mats as it encourages the first graders to line the blocks for forming a different number. As a result, they will gain familiarity with the shape of the numbers. Once the kid is familiar with numbers, they will be able to create them with math bricks (baseplate can also be used). In addition, these blocks can be aligned in order, so kids can count them. It’s a safe and tangible way to connect kids with counting.
LEGO Duplo Set
Yes, we’re talking about the LEGO Duplo starter sets, and don’t forget to get the dry erase markers. This LEGO activity is great for teaching counting over 20. For this purpose, write down numbers from 1 to 20 on the Duplo bricks (use the dry erase markers for it). You can label the brick with one, and then roll the dice. As a result, the kids can add numbers through the indications on dice.
You’ll needs to ensure that kids put the numbers in the right manner. With regular practice, kids should be able to stack the numbers faster. Once the kids learn numbers up to 20, you can keep adding more bricks for them to learn with. Most of the time, it won’t frustrate the kids and will eventually help them memorize the numbers while having fun.
Divisions & Multiplication
Who knew that these LEGO blocks would become an apt way of learning the multiplications and divisions for first graders? Teachers often go with drawings and building arrangements but that can be frustrating. LEGO math has become a convenient tool for helping students learn the fundamentals without getting frustrated.
The standard LEGO blocks can be used to teach multiplication, abstract concepts, square numbers, and area models, along with factoring. In addition, the baseplates in different colors can be utilized for teaching multiplication and division properties. Multiplication can be hard to learn, but first graders can learn by tangibly squaring the numbers, giving greater clarity.
Place Value
Learning place value is important for children as it helps them grasp math concepts. LEGO blocks can be used to teach place value. For this purpose, use the place value mat, along with the brick set. The students can categorize the bricks in the forms of ones and tens. The students will have tactical and visual learning, giving a better outcome.
Fractions
The LEGO bricks can be used to teach fractions, replacing conventional ways that can be overwhelming. LEGO math works great for learning, while promising engagement. For this reason, teachers can use various brick sizes to teach different concepts, such a one-half, three-fourths, and more. These different sizes will also teach subtraction and addition of fractions.
FAQs
How do first graders make math a fun activity?
Teaching is best when enhanced through gamification in education, so creating different games help. In addition, teachers should encourage math talk.
How to use LEGOs in the class?
In addition to learning math, LEGO bricks are great for learning spelling and matching. Matching helps kids learn different colors and rhythms.