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Candy Cane Math Ideas
Candy Cane Sort, Count, & Graph
Have families donate a package of candy canes.
Then sort them, count them and graph them with the children.
Candy Cane Patterning Encourage the children to create patterns
by pasting
red and white stripes onto a candy cane shape cutout.
OR
For older children, you can use a white candy
cane cutout and have child add red
stripes to cutout leaving a space between each red stripe to create the
white stripe.
Candy Cane Puzzlers
Use a red permanent marker to draw stripes on a sheet of white
craft foam.
Then cut out several long sticks, short sticks, and arcs from the
craft foam.
Place a number line nearby and challenge each child to use
the foam pieces to form the numbers 0 -10.
Candy Cane Counting
I print out 10 candy canes, color, label each with numerals 1-10,
laminate, and cut them out.
I then glue them to 9" Chinet plates. I found mini Christmas erasers
at The Dollar Tree.
I had to buy 4 sets. They come in a ball with about 3 different shapes. You need a total of
55
shaped erasers. The children count out the correct number candy
canes for each plate.
Candy Cane Count
I have plastic clear glasses that are about 6 inches tall that I
use for counters to
be put in.
I wrote on the front of the glasses numerals 1-10. Into these the children
count plastic colorful candy canes that could be hung on the tree. They fit
just
right and they are so cute. One candy cane into the number 1 glass
and so on---
and then the glasses can be reused for lots more counting!
Candy Cane Numbers
(Photo by
Michelle Whary)
Make some candy cane number tags and stick them on little red
cups. Encourage the children to
hook the correct amount of candy canes on the side (not as easy as it
looks- they will also
have to work out that the candy canes need to be evenly spread so the cup
will not tip).
Stuff the Stockings
Cut out 15 stocking shapes from construction paper. Label
each one with a number 1 to 15.
Have child identify the number on each stocking and then count out
a corresponding number
of mini candy canes to "fill" each one. Vary the skill for this
activity by labeling the stockings
with number words instead of actual numbers. Be careful... mini
candy canes are chocking hazard.
Candy Cane Creations
Collect several empty, plastic candy cane shaped containers and a
supply of holiday
colored manipulatives, such as pom poms, Unifix cubes, or large jingle
bells.
Program each plastic candy cane with a different number or number word.
Then have each child put the appropriate number of items into each one.
Or for patterning
practice, have each child use the manipulatives to create a
different pattern in each candy cane.
Candy Cane Addition
Hand draw a simple line candy cane on a green piece of paper. The
candy canes need
to vary in size according to the math skills of each of the students
(Children with great
number sense get larger candy canes, etc.) Then set out a tub of randomly
cut small
red and white squares (about 1/2" to 1"). The kids can make patterns with
the squares
and glue them on the candy cane. Encourage more complex patterns for the
kids
who are capable (such as 1 red, 3 whites, etc.) After they're done
gluing, they do an
addition sentence at the bottom. ___ red + ___ white = _____ Vary
the size the of the
squares so that all of the kids who make simple patterns (red, white, red,
white)
don't end up with the same number of red and white squares.
Candy Cane Patterning
Take a 15" length x 8"width or so piece of black construction
paper and draw a hook on it like a candy cane.
Use the full length of the paper. Then cut out zillions of 1 1/2" x1 1/2"
squares of white and red paper.
Encourage the kids to start at the bottom of the candy cane first
and lay on the papers overlapping
and turning slightly making a pattern until they complete the
candy cane. Have them lay it on first
so you can check the pattern then they can glue it on.. red/white or
red/red/white or white/white/red.
Sparkly Candy Canes
Have a candy cane pattern and section it off. Show the
children how to put white glitter
and then red glitter in each section making it into a candy cane and
learning an AB pattern.
Patterning & Sorting
Cut up green garland and mix with small pkg. candy canes or
different sizes
and shapes of candy canes in a bin: sort, make patterns, color
recognition, etc.
Puffy Candy Canes
Decorate a candy cane cutout with red and white pom poms in AB
pattern.
Place the sample at a table along with a class supply of candy
cane cutouts,
red and white pom poms, and glue. Have the child glue pom
poms
in AB Pattern using the sample as a guide.
Pre-K Fun Theme Pages are
for educational reference only!
No copyright infringement is intended.
I do not claim any of these as my own ideas.
They are shared from friends and fellow group
members.
Thanks for sharing all your great ideas!
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