As a former math teacher, I am always excited to check out new math materials! So, of course, I agreed to review the Carlito C. Caterpillar’s MathHouse Game Card Set.
So, what exactly is the game card set? Well, I must admit that it is not quite what I had expected. In fact, it is better. I thought it was going to be a single game. However, it is a set of 40 games with 20 steps (2 games per step). Designed to provide a chance for parents to teach their kids math skills through fun and games while building relationships at the same time, the games and steps are divided into three stages:
Stage 1: Quantity
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“The 10 steps of Stage 1 immerse the learner in playful activities that enable a student to develop the necessary skills to imagine, to see, and to feel the numbers from 0 to 10, and, most importantly, to establish a strong math foundations.” |
Stage 2: Numeration
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“How Ten becomes 10 is a milestone in the learning of math. The numeration of our system of numbers as a decimal system is done with the aid of an abacus. The use of this c3pla tool addresses the visual and tactile ways in which children learn. Skip Counting is also included in Stage 2 because it is a form of enumeration.” |
Stage 3: Operations
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“If numbers are the materials of math, operations are the tools that utilize those materials. Operations are defined in the context of objects and actions with which children are familiar. Addition is simulated by gluing together two strips of graph paper. Subtraction is modeled by cutting them. Multiplication is taught by copying, duplicating. And Division is demonstrated by folding.” |
The set contains
- 30 double-sided, full color, illustrated Game Cards
- Related editorial information explaining to parents The What, Why and How of Each Step
- Each 8″ x 4″ loose leaf card is printed on heavy card stock, lacquered to help protect from spills and ring bound to keep together and facilitate play
I had fun playing some of the games from the set with my 4 year olds. In the photo below we are working on quantities of numbers from 0 to 10. We matched the symbol, word and quantity of each.
Below I used one of the techniques/games from the set with my 7 year old to visually reinforce the concept of multiplication by showing that it is multiple duplications. This activity helped to reinforce the repetitive addition behind multiplication.
Here is a close-up of the card (and instructions) that we used.
FYI, many of the games require materials that you could easily make for yourself. However, you can also download many of the need materials for free! Both of the printables shown in the above photos are free downloads from the site. I slid the second one in a clear page protector so that it could be re-used!
While we have not played all of the games, I am certain that I will be adding many of the other Carlito C. Caterpillar’s MathHouse games to my lesson plans. I love it when my kids have fun learning! It is even better when they are so busy “playing” and having fun that they don’t even realize that they are learning!
You can purchase your own set of Carlito C. Caterpillar’s MathHouse game cards for $23.95 (includes free s&h).
If you would like more info, be sure to head over to the Carlito C.Caterpillar website or follow Carlito C. Caterpillar MathHouse Games on Facebook!
Giveaway Info:
~Giveaway is Closed~
So, would you like to win a set of Carlito C. Caterpillar MathHouse Game Cards? I have the opportunity to give away a set to one of my readers! The first and mandatory entry is to leave a comment telling me one fun activity that you use to teach math to your child(ren) or students.
Optional (Additional) Entries: The following are additional ways that you can enter to win. However, you MUST complete the mandatory entry above. (Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!)
- Follow Mama Jenn via Google Friend Connect (see right sidebar on blog) AND/OR subscribe to Mama Jenn via RSS and/or via email and leave a comment letting me know that you do. Leave a comment for EACH follow or subscription. (max 3 entries)
- Check out the Tips for Shaping Learning and leave a comment telling me one of the tips that you use with your children. (max 1 entry)
- Check out the Myths and Realities of Early Mathematical Learning and leave a comment telling me one myth or reality that you agree or disagree with! (max 1 entry)
The giveaway ends at midnight on Friday, October 7th! Giveaway is for US residents only. Winners will be randomly selected and emailed. Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry and a way for me to contact you in case you win!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
