Elementary School Math Standards and Activities

Here is a list of activities to practice counting and cardinality.

• Count
  • During daily routines
  • People (i.e., family members, friends, people at the park)
  • Toys
• Hopscotch
• Sing songs with counting (i.e., One, Two, Buckle My Shoe”, “Five Little Monkeys”, etc.)

Here is a list of activities to practice one-to-one correspondence.

• Counting Unifix Cubes: Add one cube per count to build a staircase.

• Using a Hundred Chart: Color one square at a time as you count.  The consistent structure makes it easier for children to practice counting, recognize skip-counting patterns, understand addition and subtraction, and make mental math connections like “10 more” or “1 less.” The hundred chart turns abstract number relationships into somethingchildren can see and explore.

• Outdoor Board Game: Move forward one space per roll of a die or drawn card.

• Object Match-Up: Match one toy animal to each spot on a mat. Counting Bears are most often used but any object or toy would work.

• Sticker Counting: Place one sticker in each box of a 10-frame. If a child places 9 stickers on a ten frame and notices that one box is still empty, they are building the foundation for understanding the addition fact 1 + 9 = 10 in the future.

• Snack Counting: Count out one goldfish or cereal piece into each muffin tin compartment.

• Egg Carton Counting:  Place the number of objects in each cup of the egg carton.

• Counting Songs:  Songs that include acting out one object per verse.
  • 5 Little Ducks
  • 5 Green and Speckled Frogs
  • The Ants Go Marching
• Play Dough Smash:  Smash one ball of dough for each number called out.

• Nature Count and Scavenger Hunt – Count the number of items you see on a nature walk.

Below is a list of popular activities children participate in when learning numbers and operations by grade.

Kindergarten

Focus: Counting, number names, comparing numbers, understanding the relationship between numbers and quantities.

• Number Hunt (Counting to 20) Activity: Hide number cards (1–20) around the room. Students find and place them in order on a number line.
• Build a Number with Cubes Activity: Say a number (1–10) aloud. Students build that number using linking cubes.

• Number Towers: Draw a card and build a tower with counting blocks.  Once students master building with one card, they can compare quantities with two cards.

Grade 1

Focus: Place value (tens and ones), counting to 120, comparing two-digit numbers.

• Place Value Pockets Activity: Use a pocket chart with “tens” and “ones” columns. Place straws or sticks in bundles of 10s and singles, then write the number represented.

• Skip Count Hopscotch Activity: Create a hopscotch grid with skip-counting numbers. Students hop and say numbers aloud.

• Compare and ordering 2-digit numbers:  Each student draws two or three cards, roll dice or use a spinner. Use >, <, or = symbols to compare the numbers or put the 3 numbers in order.  Students can use base ten blocks for support.

Grade 2

Focus: Place value to 1,000, skip-counting, comparing numbers.

• Base Ten Block Builders Activity: Give a 3-digit number, and students build it with blocks. Then write it in expanded form.

• Number Line Jump Activity: Create a large number line on the floor. Students jump in 5s or 10s from a starting point to a target number.
• Mystery NumberObjective: Understand place value. Activity: Give clues like “My number has 4 tens and 3 ones.” Students build or write the number.

Grade 3

Focus: Rounding, 3-digit addition/subtraction, understanding hundreds, tens, and ones.

• Rounding Relay: Students in teams race to a board and round a 2- or 3-digit number correctly.
• Place Value Spin and Write: Spin a ones, tens, and hundreds spinner. Build the number and write it in standard and expanded form.
• Place Value War: Students flip three digit cards and form a number. Higher number wins the round.

Grade 4

Focus: Multi-digit numbers, comparing, rounding, and place value to the millions.

• Build the Biggest Number Activity: Draw digit cards and try to build the largest number possible using all digits. Compare with peers.
• Place Value Dice Game Activity: Roll dice to create 4- to 6-digit numbers. Students write numbers in word, standard, and expanded form.
• Number Sort Given 10 different numbers (to 1,000,000), students work in groups to sort from least to greatest.

Grade 5

Focus: Place value with decimals, powers of ten, and operations with multi-digit numbers.

• Decimal War Flip cards with decimals. The player with the greater value wins.
• Powers of Ten Chart Challenge Complete a chart showing what happens when numbers are multiplied/divided by 10, 100, and 1,000.
• Decimal Place Value Mystery: Activity: Read clues like “My number has a 7 in the hundredths place and a 2 in the tenths place,” then write and explain.

Below is a list of popular activities children participate in when learning addition by grade.

Kindergarten

• Counting Objects and Adding: Use manipulatives like unifix cubes or counters to add two groups together.
• Ten Frames: Place items in a ten frame to visualize combinations that make ten (e.g., 7 yellow dots + 5 red dots = 12).

• Number Stories: Tell simple addition stories (“I had 2 apples, and I got 3 more. How many apples do I have?”).
• Dice Addition: Roll two dice, count the dots, and find the sum.
• Outdoor Addition Hunt: Collect natural items (like leaves or rocks), group them, and add them together.

Grade 1

• Number Line Hops: Use a number line and “hop” forward to show addition.
• Addition Fact Flash Cards: Practice sums to 20 with visual flashcards.
• Missing Addends: Use manipulatives to find missing numbers in problems like 4 + ___ = 9.
• Add It Up Bingo: Play bingo where students solve an addition problem to find the correct number.
• Domino Addition: Add the two sides of a domino and write number sentences.

• Number bonds: Pairs of numbers that add together to make a larger, “whole” number

Grade 2

• Base Ten Block Addition: Use tens and ones blocks to add two-digit numbers.

• Regrouping Puzzles: Break apart and regroup numbers to add (e.g., 38 + 46).
• Addition War – Play with cards; each player flips two cards and adds them. Highest sum wins.
• Roll and Add Hundreds Chart: Use dice and a hundreds chart to find sums and patterns.
• Story Problem Journals: Solve and illustrate word problems involving addition.

Grade 3

• 3-Digit Addition with Regrouping: Use place value understanding to add large numbers.
• Estimation Challenges: Estimate sums before solving to build number sense.
• Add to Solve Real Problems :Solve problems involving money or measurement using addition.
• Math Board Games: Use games that require addition to advance on the board (e.g., Sum Swamp).
• Interactive Digital Games: Use apps or websites with timed addition games and challenges.

Grade 4

• Multi-Digit Addition with Decimals: Add numbers with decimals in contexts like money or measurement.
• Error Analysis: Analyze and correct mistakes in sample student addition problems.
• Create Word Problems: Students write their own multi-step word problems that involve addition.
• Mental Math Strategies: Practice adding large numbers mentally using rounding and compatible numbers.
• Addition Relay: In teams, students solve part of a problem and pass it along (e.g., add four 4-digit numbers).

Grade 5

• Add Fractions with Like/Unlike Denominators: Use visual models and LCM to add fractions.
• Adding Mixed Numbers: Practice breaking apart and recombining whole numbers and fractions.
• Decimals in Real Life: Solve multi-step problems involving adding decimals (e.g., grocery shopping).
• Number Talks: Use daily routines to discuss multiple ways to solve an addition problem.
• Math Projects: Create a class budget, meal plan, or event that involves adding real-world data.

Below is a list of popular activities children participate in when learning subtraction by grade.

Kindergarten

• Take Away with Counters: Start with a set number of objects and physically remove some to see what’s left.
• Subtraction Stories with Toys: Use dolls or animals to act out simple subtraction stories.
• Ten Frame Subtraction: Fill a ten frame and remove counters to see how many remain.
• Finger Subtraction: Use fingers to model subtraction facts up to 10.
• Subtraction Song and Movement: Sing songs like “Five Little Ducks” that model subtracting one at a time.

Grade 1

• Number Line Subtraction: Jump backward on a number line to model subtraction.
• Roll and Subtract Dice Game: Roll two dice, subtract the smaller from the larger, and record the result.
• Subtraction Matching Cards: Match subtraction equations to pictorial representations or answers.
• Missing Part Problems: Use part-part-whole mats to find the missing number (e.g., 9 – ___ = 4).
• Domino Subtraction: Use the higher number on a domino and subtract the lower number.

Grade 2

• Two-Digit Subtraction with Base Ten Blocks: Use tens and ones blocks to regroup and subtract.

• Subtraction War: Each player flips two cards and subtracts. Player with the highest difference wins.
• Story Problem Journals: Write and solve subtraction word problems using pictures and numbers.
• Spin and Subtract: Spin two number wheels and subtract the smaller number from the larger.
• Balance Scale Activity: Use a balance scale to explore the concept of difference.

Grade 3

• Three-Digit Subtraction with Regrouping: Practice borrowing across zeros with place value models.
• Estimation Practice: Estimate differences before solving to build number sense.
• Subtraction Riddles: Solve subtraction problems to reveal the answer to a riddle or puzzle.
• Money Subtraction Problems: Use play money to solve change-making and purchase scenarios.
• Timed Fluency Games: Use online tools or flashcards for timed subtraction fact practice.

Grade 4

• Multi-Digit Subtraction Without Calculator: Subtract numbers into the thousands with and without regrouping.
• Error Analysis: Find and correct mistakes in subtraction problems.
• Subtraction Across Zeros: Focus on the tricky concept of regrouping when multiple zeros are present.
• Real-World Scenarios: Use subtraction to figure out how much time has passed or how far apart two locations are.
• Multi-Step Word Problems: Combine subtraction with other operations to solve complex problems.

Grade 5

• Subtracting Fractions with Like and Unlike Denominators: Use visual models and common denominators.
• Subtracting Decimals: Practice subtracting decimals in contexts like money and measurements.
• Negative Numbers Introduction: Use number lines to explore subtraction that results in negative numbers.
• Data Analysis Subtraction: Find differences between data points in graphs or charts.
• Math Projects: Use subtraction to calculate change, time passed, or remaining inventory in project-based learning.

Below is a list of popular activities children participate in when learning multiplication by grade. This is a concept that is not introduced until the third grade.

Grade 3

• Array Building with Objects: Use counters or tiles to build arrays (e.g., 3 rows of 4 counters).
• Skip Counting Games: Practice skip counting with songs or movement (e.g., skip count by 6s using a jump rope).
• Multiplication Bingo: Match products to multiplication problems on a game board.
• Equal Groups with Manipulatives: Group objects and write multiplication sentences to match (e.g., 4 groups of 5).
• Fact Family Triangles: Use triangle flashcards to explore the relationship between multiplication and division.

Grade 4

• Area Model Practice: Break apart numbers using the area (box) method to solve 2-digit × 2-digit problems.
• Multiplication War with Cards: Flip two cards and multiply; highest product wins.
• Estimation Rounding Challenge: Round factors to estimate the product before solving.
• Real-World Word Problems: Solve problems involving equal groups, area, and multi-step multiplication.
• Interactive Multiplication Apps: Use digital games to reinforce facts and problem-solving with immediate feedback.

Grade 5

• Multiplying Decimals: Use place value understanding and visual models to multiply decimals (e.g., 0.3 × 0.6).
• Multi-Digit Long Multiplication: Practice multi-step multiplication with larger numbers (e.g., 3-digit × 2-digit).
• Project-Based Math (e.g., Planning a Party): Calculate total cost by multiplying quantities and prices.
• Pattern Investigation: Explore number patterns in multiples, such as the pattern in multiples of 9.
• Multiplication Races: Solve a series of problems in a relay team format to build speed and fluency.

Below is a list of popular activities children participate in when learning division by grade. This is a concept that is not introduced until the third grade.

Grade 3

• Equal Sharing with Counters: Use real objects to divide into equal groups and write matching division equations.
• Array and Area Models: Build arrays to represent division facts and understand the relationship to multiplication.
• Division Fact Dominoes: Match division problems with their quotients using domino-style cards.
• Skip Counting Backward: Practice skip counting in reverse to help understand division as repeated subtraction.
• Division Stories: Create and solve word problems involving sharing or grouping.

Grade 4

• Base Ten Block Division: Use place value blocks to divide larger numbers with regrouping.
• Partial Quotients Method: Solve division problems by subtracting multiples of the divisor in steps.
• Division War with Cards: Flip two cards and divide the larger by the smaller; highest quotient wins.
• Estimate and Check: Estimate a quotient, then solve and check using multiplication.
• Division Puzzles: Fill in missing numbers in division fact families or complete number mazes.

Grade 5

• Long Division Practice: Solve multi-digit division problems with and without remainders.
• Divide Decimals: Use place value and grid models to divide decimals by whole numbers.
• Real-World Problem Solving: Solve multi-step word problems involving sharing quantities, rates, or measurement.
• Division Games Online: Use interactive apps to reinforce division fluency and strategy.
• Math Scenarios (e.g., Budgeting or Packing): Plan real-life situations like dividing items evenly into containers or splitting bills.

Below is a list of popular activities children participate in when learning fractions by grade.

Kindergarten – Grade 1

• Fair Share with Snacks: Divide cookies, crackers, or fruit slices equally among a group.
• Paper Folding: Fold paper to show halves and fourths, then label each part.
• Shape Sorting: Identify shapes that are split into equal parts versus unequal parts.
• Color the Fraction: Shade half or a quarter of shapes on worksheets.

Grade 2

• Fraction Pizza Craft: Create a paper pizza and divide it into equal slices (halves, thirds, fourths).
• Real-World Fractions: Identify fractions in everyday contexts like clocks, sandwiches, or measuring cups.
• Equal Parts Matching: Match pictures of shapes with written fractions (e.g., ½, ¼).
• Sharing Problems: Use story problems to divide items equally (e.g., 4 children share 2 apples).
• Fraction Towers: Build towers with colored cubes representing fractions (e.g., 3 out of 6 = ½).

Grade 3

• Number Line Fractions: Place fractions on a number line to show their value relative to whole numbers.
• Equivalent Fractions with Visuals: Use fraction bars or circles to find and compare equivalent fractions.
• Fraction Bingo: Match visual models and written fractions on a game board.
• Paper Plate Fractions: Cut and label paper plates into halves, thirds, fourths, etc.
• Sorting Fractions: Compare and sort fractions using fraction strips or interactive tools.

Grade 4

• Add and Subtract Fractions (Same Denominator): Use fraction strips or drawings to practice.
• Fraction Art: Create designs using fractions of colored shapes (e.g., ¼ red, ½ blue).
• Build Equivalent Fractions with Multiplication: Multiply numerator and denominator to find equivalents.
• Recipe Math: Use recipes to double or halve ingredients and work with real-life fractions.
• Fraction Word Problems: Solve one-step problems involving part of a whole or comparison.

Grade 5

• Add/Subtract Unlike Denominators: Use visual models and least common denominators.
• Multiply Fractions: Apply area models to multiply fractions by fractions or whole numbers.
• Divide Fractions: Use visual models or story problems to interpret division of fractions.
• Line Plot Graphing: Collect data and graph fractional measurements on line plots.
• Project-Based Learning: Plan an event or garden with fractional space, portions, or costs.

Below is a list of popular activities children participate in when learning measurement by grade.

Kindergarten

• Compare and Order Objects: Use terms like taller, shorter, heavier, and lighter.
• Nonstandard Measurement: Measure items using paperclips, blocks, or hands.
• Classroom Object Hunt:  Find and sort objects by size, length, or weight.
• Measure with String: Use string to compare lengths of objects and match them.
• Graphing Favorites: Create simple bar graphs from class surveys (e.g., favorite fruit or color).

Grade 1

• Measure with Rulers: Use inch or centimeter rulers to measure classroom objects.
• Compare Lengths: Solve problems about how much longer or shorter one object is than another.
• Picture Graphs: Represent data using picture symbols to answer questions.
• Create a Class Tally Chart: Count and tally data from a classroom vote.
• Measuring Jumps or Steps: Use measuring tapes to record and compare distances.

Grade 2

• Measure with Standard Tools: Use rulers, yardsticks, and measuring tapes to measure in inches, feet, and centimeters.
• Line Plots: Collect measurement data (e.g., pencil lengths) and graph it on a line plot.
• Tell and Write Time: Use analog and digital clocks to tell time to the nearest 5 minutes.
• Estimate and Measure: Practice estimating length, then measure to check.
• Bar Graphs and Picture Graphs: Interpret and create graphs to answer questions using scaled data.

Grade 3

• Elapsed Time Word Problems: Solve problems involving start and end times.
• Mass and Volume Activities: Measure and compare the mass of objects and volume of liquids using grams, kilograms, and liters.
• Measure Perimeter:  Use rulers or string to measure and calculate the perimeter of shapes.
• Create and Analyze Bar Graphs: Use class-collected data to create scaled bar graphs.
• Line Plot with Fractions: Record and interpret data on a line plot using fractions.

Grade 4

• Convert Units: Practice converting within measurement systems (e.g., inches to feet).
• Area and Perimeter Challenges: Solve real-world problems involving area and perimeter.
• Measure Angles: Use protractors to measure and classify angles.
• Line Plot Problems: Solve multi-step problems involving data on a line plot.
• Time Conversion Activities: Convert between hours, minutes, and seconds in word problems.

Grade 5

• Volume Exploration: Use unit cubes and formulas to find the volume of rectangular prisms.
• Complex Line Plots: Interpret data involving measurements in fractions.
• Multi-Step Graphing Tasks: Create and analyze data from surveys or experiments.
• Convert Customary and Metric Units: Solve problems requiring conversion between units.
• Real-Life Data Projects: Plan projects like creating a budget or tracking weather data over time.

Below is a list of popular activities children participate in when learning geometric shapes and attributes by grade.

Kindergarten

• Shape Hunt: Search the classroom or playground for circles, squares, triangles, etc.
• Pattern Block Pictures: Create animals or designs using pattern blocks and identify the shapes used.
• Sort and Classify Shapes : Group shapes by attributes such as size, number of sides, or whether they roll or stack.
• Build with 3D Shapes:Use building blocks or recycled materials to create structures with cubes, cones, and cylinders.
• Shape Songs and Movement: Sing songs about shapes and act them out with body movements.

Grade 1

• Shape Puzzles: Put together shapes to form new composite shapes and identify the parts.
• Geoboard Creations: Use rubber bands on geoboards to create 2D shapes and describe their attributes.
• Shape Collage: Cut and glue shapes from paper to create pictures, then name and count the shapes used.
• Attribute Games: Play games where students guess a shape based on clues (e.g., “I have 4 sides, but they are not all the same”).
• Symmetry Painting: Fold paper and paint on one side to explore symmetry.

Grade 2

• Partition Shapes: Divide shapes into halves, thirds, and fourths using drawings or paper folding.
• Shape Attribute Sorting: Sort shapes based on number of sides, vertices, or angles.
• Tangram Challenges: Use tangram pieces to build pictures and discuss the geometry involved.
• Geoboard Fractions: Represent fractional parts of a shape using geoboards.
• Draw and Label Polygons: Practice drawing and naming regular and irregular polygons.

Grade 3

• Angle Hunt: Look around the room for examples of right, acute, and obtuse angles.
• Polygon Sorting: Sort quadrilaterals, triangles, and other polygons by properties.
• Area with Square Tiles: Cover shapes with square tiles to find area and count square units.
• Perimeter Games: Use string or rulers to measure and compare the perimeters of various shapes.
• Shape Transformation Activities: Use paper folding or drawing to explore flips, turns, and slides.

Grade 4

• Classify Quadrilaterals: Explore the differences between trapezoids, rectangles, rhombuses, and squares.
• Lines and Angles: Identify and classify lines (parallel, perpendicular) and angles using rulers and protractors.
• Area and Perimeter Word Problems: Solve real-world problems involving rectangles and composite figures.
• Symmetry Scavenger Hunt: Search for symmetrical objects in the classroom or outside.
• Create and Analyze Patterns: Explore repeating and growing geometric patterns.

Grade 5

• Volume with Unit Cubes: Use cubes to build rectangular prisms and calculate volume.
• Coordinate Grid Games: Plot points, shapes, and paths on a coordinate plane.
• Classify 3D Shapes: Explore properties of three-dimensional figures (edges, vertices, faces).
• Decompose Shapes: Break down complex figures into known shapes to find area or volume.
• Geometry Art Projects: Create tessellations or geometric mosaics using specific rules.