Sometimes I feel like I'm terrible at curating traditions, and worry that my kids will not grow up with sweet, every-year special celebrations that we faithfully did. But then, my daughter reminded me about candy math. 

Candy math is our favorite day-after-Halloween homeschool tradition. It started out as a simple way to prolong the excitement of trick-or-treating: "let's sort your Halloween candy!" But soon it became a way to use materials that we had temporary access to: math is about numbers, and the quantity of candy we have is exponential. 

But, the amazing thing about candy math is that the options are never ending! Here are some ways to learn math with candy, on November 1st or any other day. If you are among the many Christians I know that don't celebrate Halloween, this can be done with any candy, any time! 

Related: Family Time Math 

Candy Math Ideas For Young Children

1. Sort- Sorting candy is a simple but exciting skill for young children. They will likely enjoy sorting by variety, but there are other sorting options. 

• chocolate versus not chocolate
• one piece versus multiple pieces
• by color 
• by texture 
• sweet versus sour 

2. Graph- After sorting candy by type, try graphing the candy. With young children, I use the candy as the graph, meaning I don't try to make bars or lines. I simply line up the candy in an organized way, so that 4 M&M packs are the same height as 4 tiny little peanut butter cups. That way, children can visually compare quantities of candies. 

3. More or less?- Practice comparing quantities by grabbing two varieties of candy, and having your child determine which is more and which is less. You could even have them write the numerals on paper and use greater than, less than signs to compare them. 

4. Weigh on a balance scale- If you have a balance scale, you can have fun with your child by comparing the weight of two different candies. Decide which one is heavier, and then make a guess at a candy that might be heavier than that. Have a little weigh-off of sorts!

5. Addition and subtraction- Subtraction is obviously more appropriate for this occasion 🙂 Candies with many pieces work best for this. Open up a pack of M&M's, count how many there are, and then make up math problems from what's inside. Here are some examples: "How many red plus blue do you have?" "What happens if you eat 5 of them?" You can do the same thing with bigger pieces of candy, but having little treats to snack on during math time is always appreciated! 

Related: Which Math Curriculum Is Right For You? 

Candy  Math Ideas for Older Children

Many of the ideas for younger children can be adapted for older children. 

1. Graphing- Older kids can make more of a proper graph. Instead of just using the pieces of candy as the graph, they can make their own bar graph on a piece of graph paper. 

2. Multiplication- Use candy packs with multiple pieces of candy in it to practice multiplication. First, take a pack of multi-piece candy, and have your child open it and count how many pieces are inside. Then, count how many packs of that same type of candy you have altogether. Finally, have your child multiply the number of candies in one pack with the number of packs of candies there are in all. That will tell you how many pieces of that specific candy you have! 

3. Negative numbers- This was a lesson that I did with 4th graders as a public school teacher, and I was told that it was "too hands on." Well, thankfully, hands-on is the name of the homeschooling game, so I used this lesson proudly with my current 4th grader!

To do this, it helps to have some negative number addition and subtraction problems written on a piece of paper or notecards. Take two different colors of multiple-pieced candies, like M&M's. Decide which color will represent negative numbers, and which color will represent positive numbers. 

If the first problem is -3 + 6, you would have 6 candies that represent the positive color and 3 that represent the negative color. Lay them out side by side, and you'll see that there are three more positives than negatives, so the answer to this problem is 3. When subtracting, remember that pesky trick that subtracting a negative number actually means you add the positive. So, 5 minus -3 is the same as saying 5 +3. I don't make the rules. 

4. Fractions: Part of a Whole- There are lots of fun ways to learn fractions with candy! The first is pretty simple, and most children with a general concept of fractions will find it almost too easy. Take a candy bar that has multiple pieces. Then, take one piece off, and ask what fraction it represents. If there are 4 pieces of the candy bar, one piece equals 1/4 of the candy bar. 

5. Fractions: Fraction of a Group- Similarly, you can learn fractions with multiple pieces of candy. Using candy like M&M's or Skittles, count how many there are total. Then, have your child count how many there are of one color. That color represents the numerator, and the number of candies total is the denominator. For example, if you have 15 pieces of candy, and 5 of them are red, then 5/15 are red. Practice reducing fractions with your child, by dividing the numerator and denominator by a common divisor. 5 and 15 are both divisible by 5, so the fraction of red candies is 1/3. 

What are some other fun ways to learn math with candy? 

When it was time to choose a math curriculum for our homeschool, I chose Singapore Math (Dimensions)  for a number of reasons. I had used other versions of Singapore Math as a public school teacher, and I knew that the private school I used to teach at used it, too. If we ever put our children into that school, they would be on the same page with math. I also like how Singapore Math gets great results all over the world, all while being hands-on and engaging. 

Since I've used this program for a while and in multiple settings, I thought I would share some tips I have that will make you successful with it! 

Tips for Using Singapore Math

Do the Lessons

Obviously, if you have a child who would prefer to race through the workbook and not do the lessons, more power to you! But, most children want and need direct instruction surrounding each skill. The lessons are creative and pretty fun! Singapore Math's approach is unique, which brings me to my next point. 

Know About Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract

Being aware that this is the main method of instruction for Singapore Math can be really helpful. This approach starts students out with hands-on math work, moving manipulatives or playing games to understand the concept. Once the concept is introduced, they see it modeled in pictures in the math text book. After practicing with pictures, they move on to abstract representation in their workbooks. This means they solve problems with numbers and symbols rather than with objects and pictures. Knowing this approach can be really helpful, because it might be tempting to skip one part of this process. Since the value of Singapore Math lies in this method, it's good to be mindful of it, and not just skip straight to the abstract work, as is tempting!

Use the Video Subscription

At an extra cost (currently about $85/year) you can get videos to go with your Singapore Math curriculum. We have never used these, but they came highly recommended from a friend. I plan to use them this year as my 4th grader starts getting into more complicated math. Sometimes she needs to hear it from someone other than me! 

Get Familiar with the Free Resources 

It's easy to forget that the company of any math curriculum wants it to work for you more than anything else! To get it to be a success for you, there are often free resources available online. 

Singapore Math's website has easily-printable resources to use. I find these to be easier than copying the back of the page on my little scanner!  

Learn the Modeling Method

This math program has a modeling method that is really helpful. It involves drawing bars to depict the problem, and the type of problem determines the type of bars. Strangely enough, I never learned this as a public school teacher! When I went to renew my teaching license, I found out I could take classes through my library at GALE Courses. GALE courses had several Singapore Math courses, including one on their modeling method. This has been so helpful! 

Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract

Being aware that this is the main method of instruction for Singapore Math can be really helpful. This approach starts students out with hands-on math work, moving manipulatives or playing games to understand the concept. Once the concept is introduced, they see it modeled in pictures in the math text book. After practicing with pictures, they move on to abstract representation in their workbooks. This means they solve problems with numbers and symbols rather than with objects and pictures. Knowing this approach can be really helpful, because it might be tempting to skip one part of this process. Since the value of Singapore Math lies in this method, it's good to be mindful of it, and not just skip straight to the abstract work, as is tempting!

If you'd like a comparison of math curricula, sign-up for this homeschool math series through the button below. You'll automatically be redirected to a page where you can download the form immediately (no need to wait for an email!) 

Any homeschooling parent who has struggled with math in the past knows that having access to many math resources these days is a huge blessing! Compared to past generations, we as homeschoolers have so many hands-on tools, online programs, and experts available for learning math. Let's dive into some of these math resources today!

I've shared resources using my Amazon Affiliate Store Links. You can read more about affiliate links here.

Wooden Math Boards

Hands on, wooden toys are a classic way to teach math skills. Learning addition and subtraction facts, or even multiplication facts through math boards is engaging and helps connect a fact with a body movement, something that's sure to create meaningful learning. Here are a few of my favorite boards out there. 

Addition and Subtraction Board

One of my favorite educational toy companies is Three Wood Shop, a family-run woodworking business based out of Ukraine. Although their business was sidelined due to the war, they have found creative ways to keep producing some of their products. That kind of creativity and gumption is so respectable! 

We love to use this board with pompoms, and find that it motivates reluctant learners to practice math facts. 

Multiplication Board

Miru's Toys makes creative, beautiful wooden boards and toys. This multiplication board is like a hands-on multiplication chart that gives your child opportunities to practice. They also have an arithmetic wheel for practicing multiplication facts through 12. 

Math Manipulatives

The term "manipulatives" always gives me pause, because my computer's spell-check unfailingly does a mean red underline on it! 🙂 A manipulative, like I've explained in this math series, is anything that can be handled to demonstrate mathematical functions. 

I've add some of my favorites to my Amazon Store math list, but let me tell you about a few of them!

Unifix Cubes

We've used these cubes for years, and have even purchased multiple sets! They are great for a wide range of math skills, including counting, skip counting, creating equal groups (multiplication), and addition/subtraction. As an added bonus, younger children enjoy playing with these during math time, so it makes for a fun, simple way to include them. 

Multiplication Pop-it

My 4th grader is enjoying this toy, which is visually pleasing and is basically a malleable multiplication chart. She practices her multiplication facts for fun with this, and also  uses it as an aid during independent work time. 

Base-10 Blocks

This set of blocks, in which the little cubes are either single, or melded into groups of 10, 100, or 1000, are so helpful for learning place value.  We have a magnetic set that takes up a little less room. 

Math Wrap-ups

Learning math facts can be monotonous and dry, and can also involve a lot of support from parents. Math wrap-ups are self-correcting, meaning your child will see if their answers are right or not as they wrap the string around this little plastic key to match the problem with the fact. We don't currently have these at home, but I loved them in the classroom!

Math Games

Playing math games is a fun way to engage your child in math! It also allows you to spend quality time with them. Sometimes, when we're feeling a little "mathed out," especially in the winter, we take a hiatus from our math  curriculum and just play math games. 

Think Fun Math Dice Game

This is a really simple game that's fun to boot! Children simply roll two dice and then add up the amount they rolled to move forward on the game board. This is a great way to practice addition facts!

Mathematical World or Sum Swamp

An eye-catching game like one of these is a great way to practice addition and subtraction. (Note- we have Mathematical World, but I was unable to add it to my Amazon store.) 

Mathological Liar

I ordered this game for Miss H, age 9, towards the middle of her 3rd grade year. After reading reading lots of reviews, I decided to buy the 4th grade level for her. We have both had so much fun with this! It's a blast trying to solve a mystery by solving math problems! The players eliminate the suspects with correct answers, leading them to those with incorrect math. All of the cases are mild and funny, like who moved the balloons at the school fair. 

Shut-the-Box

Someone gifted us this game a few years ago, and it's one that we all can enjoy together. It requires some strategy to choose which numbers to put down after you roll the dice. The goal is to have the fewest number of points at the end of the game, so pushing those big numbers down first is key!

Online Resources

It's hard to find online resources for math that thoroughly align with Charlotte Mason's philosophy. Sometimes, I think a break from the usual math routine can be a refreshing, necessary respite. 

IXL

As a public school teacher, this program was really helpful. There's a small fee associated with it, but students can learn new skills and be assessed on them so that parents or teachers can understand what they are doing well with or need extra support with. 

Prodigy Math

While the goal of Prodigy Math is similar to IXL's, the method is different. It is more of a game than isolated sets of math lessons. This is one that was recommended to me by my sister, but I haven't checked out yet. 

Smartick

Hadley had a chance to check out Smartick math when she was still very young. At that point, the program was mostly assessment- she answered questions. I believe that at older levels, there is an instruction component as well. 

Join us for this math series! Sign-up through the  button below to get emails when new posts are added to this series, and to be immediately directed to free resources, and links to past posts. 

Knowing math facts can help students solve problems quickly and efficiently. Learning math facts repetitively by rote memorization, however, can quickly steal the love of math from anyone. 

So what's a homeschooler to do? 

I say we find what makes math facts enjoyable and memorable, and we focus on those things. Personally, I think patterns are what make math interesting and shows the order of our Creator. So, focusing on the patterns in math facts might be hugely helpful, and will definitely be more enjoyable. Be sure to sign up for a math facts freebie at the bottom of this post! 

Math Series: How to Teach Math When You're Bad At It

1. Find the Patterns

When you introduce multiplication facts, break out the 100's chart (you can find them free online) and have your child start looking for patterns. If you slip the 100's chart into a protective sleeve, your child can mark it up with dry-erase markers and use it over and over again. 

Pick a fact family, like 2's multiplication facts. Then, have your child highlight all of the multiples of two on their chart. They can study the highlighted chart to look for patterns. Maybe your child will notice that all of the two's facts are even numbers, or will find the columns that they made interesting. Find joy in the patterns! 

Math Series: How to Choose a Math Curriculum 

2. Practice Skip Counting

Young children learn to skip count as a fun game, and it's a seemingly natural process. Tap into this by pointing out that the multiples of any number, meaning the answers to a multiplication fact in any fact family, is the same as what you would say skip counting. If you can count by two's, you can state the multiples of two. Simply slip up a finger with each number you count. When you reach twenty when counting by two's, you would have ten fingers up: 2 x 10 = 20. 

While it's easy to skip count by 2's, 3's, and 5's, it gets a little more complicated with numbers like 7, 8, and 9. Ask your child to use their 100's chart to find the multiples of this number, and then make up a little song to help them remember it. Pick a new tune for each number. When I was a public school teacher, I set the 8's multiples to the Star Wars theme song! 

3. Know the Rules

There are some rules that can be really helpful when learning multiplication facts. One of these rules is the even and odd rule. This rule says that when two even numbers are multiplied together, they will always make an even number. When two odd numbers are multiplied together, they will always make an odd number. An even an odd number multiplied together can be either even or odd. Knowing these things can help your child retrieve math facts more quickly. 

Math Series: Which Math Curriculum is Right For You?

4. Find the Tricks

Creative people have found little tricks that help with multiplication facts. One of these, my personal favorite, is the nines trick. If you stretch out your hands in front of you, palms down, you can assign each finger a number. Your left pinky will be number one, counting up to your right pinky which is number ten. If you want to multiply by 6, put your 6th finger down. Everything to the left of that finger represents the tens place, and everything to the right of that finger represents the ones place. So, there are five fingers to the left of the 6th fingers, representing 5 tens. There are four fingers to the right of the 6th finger, which means there are 4 ones. Therefore, 9 x 6 = 54. 

There are lots of helpful memory tricks for memorizing these facts. You can download my free Math Facts Pattern Help below. You'll be able to download it instantly, and also be updated on the other posts in this series.