March 23, 2023

Engaging Post-it Math Activity for Addition: Fun and Effective Ways to Teach Math Facts

Make addition practice fun with post-it notes! This simple math activity turns learning into a game while helping your little ones master math facts. Check it out for easy ways to make math exciting!

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EASY ADDITION PRACTICE FOR YOUR PRESCHOOLER

Let’s be real—teaching your preschooler addition might sound as exciting as organizing your junk drawer. But it doesn’t have to be! With a little creativity (and some colorful Post-it notes), you can turn math into a playful adventure instead of a dreaded chore. Grab a cup of coffee (or reheat that same one for the third time), and let’s dive into some fun, hands-on ways to make addition click for your little one.

LET’S TALK ADDITION: HOW TO KEEP IT SIMPLE (AND FUN)

Math is everywhere, even when you’re not paying attention. Need proof? Think about all those times you’ve mentally calculated how many snacks you’ll need to survive the day. The same idea applies to your preschooler—addition becomes way more meaningful when it feels like a part of their world.

1. Real-Life Math Moments

Forget the flashcards for a minute. Instead, involve your child in everyday math. Let them count the forks while setting the table (“We need four, and here’s two. How many more?”), or add up toys as they toss them into the bin. Bonus: you’re sneakily getting them to clean up!

2. Visual Aids for the Win

Brightly colored counters, counting cubes, or even snacks (gummy bears, anyone?) make addition tangible. Kids learn best when they can see what’s happening. Plus, who doesn’t love a math problem you can eat?

3. Screen Time That Actually Teaches

There are some pretty amazing math apps out there that gamify addition practice. Look for ones that feel more like playing than learning—because tricking your kids into loving math is what parenting wins are made of.

POST-IT MATH: HANDS-ON FUN THAT ACTUALLY WORKS

Now for the main event: the Post-it math activity. Trust me, it’s as easy as it is genius.

WHAT YOU NEED:

Large white paper (or a paper roll if you’re feeling extra)
Painter’s tape
Colored Post-it notes
Counting cubes
Permanent marker

HOW TO DO IT:

Tape a big piece of white paper to the wall at kid-height—no neck craning required.
Use your marker to write simple addition problems across the paper. (Leave some space—this isn’t a test.)
On Post-it notes, write the answers to those problems. Stick them on the wall nearby but shuffle them around.
Hand over the counting cubes and let your child solve the problems. Once they’ve worked out the answer, they match the correct Post-it to the problem on the paper.

WHY IT WORKS:

It’s math practice, but it feels like a game. They’re solving problems, building fine motor skills, and staying engaged because, let’s face it, Post-its are irresistible.

MATH GAMES THAT DON’T FEEL LIKE WORK

If the Post-it fun wasn’t enough to get your kid hooked on math, here are a couple more games to keep in your back pocket:

Addition Bingo:

Swap out the classic Bingo numbers for addition problems.
Shout out problems (“What’s 3 + 2?”), and kids mark the answer on their cards.
The first to yell “Bingo!” gets a small prize—like choosing dessert.

Number Line Hopscotch:

Create a number line with chalk outside or tape indoors.
Call out an addition fact, and your child hops to the correct answer.
It’s like recess meets math class, and everyone’s happy.

FLASHCARDS, WORKSHEETS & STORIES (OH MY!)

For those quieter moments (or when you just need five minutes of peace), flashcards and worksheets still have their place. But why not jazz them up a bit? Turn addition facts into mini stories: “If you have 2 cookies and Grandma gives you 3 more, how many cookies can we eat together?” (Answer: all of them.)

MATH = FUN (NO, REALLY!)

Teaching addition doesn’t mean sitting your kid down for a formal lesson. It’s about weaving math into the everyday—making it a game, a story, or even a quick kitchen moment. With these activities, you’re not just teaching addition; you’re showing your child that math can be playful, creative, and totally doable.

So grab those Post-its and let the learning begin. Who knows? You might just find yourself having fun too. (Okay, maybe that’s pushing it. But at least your kid will.)