I recently created two math activities for Owen (age 4.5) using Duple LEGO®’s. Duplos definitely make school more fun!
Activity #1: Put the numbers 1-12 in order. Build Duplo towers to match.
This was a challenging project for Owen, but not difficult enough to be frustrating. The first step was to put all the numbers in order and then he began building the towers. He counted really well until 8 or so, and then started just putting random amounts of blocks together. We worked together to count the right way and got it completed!
I made the number cards from poster board with sticky magnets on the back. The first thing that we did with them was just to put them in order on our huge oil change pan. (I bought the oil change pan at Walmart, and it has been SO worth it! In my post on toddler activities, you can see how we used it with foam alphabet letters.)
Here is a better view of the oil change pan:
If we had room to hang it, I would. But then again, we get a lot of use out of it on the floor as a work surface! We lean it on the wall if we want to use it as a magnet board.
Activity #2: Duplo Patterns
I used index cards to make Owen some patterns that he could build out of Duplos. He was very eager to get started! This worked well as an independent activity for Owen while the other boys were doing school.
I did a variety of different types of patterns – ABAB, ABCABC, ABACABAC, etc.
This activity was also great for learning to observe and follow directions.
For more learning with Duplos:
- I really like these numbered Duplos (scroll down for the picture) on The Imagination Tree. We own enough Duplos that I just might do this with some of ours.
- Kids Activities Blog has a great post on creating your own building instructions for Duplos or Legos.
- If you like the pattern idea above, here is a link to a free printable Duplo template. I wish I had seen this before making mine!
- How many Duplos does it weigh? This is a great intro to weights.
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11 Comments
Peta @ Great Googa Moogas Oct 28, 2013
Love this idea :) My kids adore duplo so it would be a great way to work on their math skills.
Leah Oct 29, 2013
What a great idea! I am going to share with my readers in my Favorites on Friday - http://bit.ly/16joTut - this week.
Dovey Nov 4, 2013
I just found your blog. I will definitely be following it. I have baby #7 on the way and 4 boys! My youngest three are definitely a challenge to keep occupied while the oldest 3 school, and you have some great ideas! Thanks~
hilke Jun 9, 2014
Super idea!
Charma Hagans Feb 19, 2015
I really love your ideas. I'm going to homeschool my 3 year old until 1st grade and this is awesome. Thanks a lot.
Anne May 30, 2015
Great ideas! I also think it would be educational to have my 5 year old then make her own pattern cards snd build them!
Antonette Jul 8, 2015
Great Ideas. Been thinking of ways to keep my two year old son busy. Thanks
Airawan Apr 7, 2016
Lego is a good idea to learn about mathematic; patterns, numbers, color, comparing, etc.
Broderick Longhofer Jul 6, 2018
Hello to all, the contents existing at this site are truly amazing for people experience, well, keep up the good work fellows.
Suganthi Jul 9, 2020
Awesome. It's really help me a lot to teach my younger son. Great way of keeping them active. Thanks a lot
Muhammad Asghar Sep 30, 2020
Good lesson
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