Parking lot addition is the perfect math activity for a kindergartener or 1st grader who loves toy cars!
As far as indoor activities for kids go, this one has it all. It teaches, entertains, allows your child to use their fine and gross motor skills and will naturally end in play, thus extending the fun!
My youngest son is rapidly following in his mathematics-loving brother's footsteps and, of course, they both love playing with their toy vehicles. I came up with this math activity for my kindergartener, and while he was working on it he got a little help from the peanut gallery–otherwise known as his 8-year-old brother.
What you need:
- Low tack tape, such as painter's tape
- A bucket full of toy transportation
- Marker
Instructions:
Setting up this toy car math activities is super easy!
First, use the tape to define a parking lot. The term, "parking lot," is flexible but basically, you want several long rows where the cars can line up behind each other. If you only have carpeted floors, use large piece of cardboard. I've never had any problem removing the tape from the floor, but if you are uncertain, do a test strip or use cardboard..
Next, write simple math problems at the top of each parking space. My 5-year-old is working on counting, and learning number combinations. Several easy addition problems like 1+2, 4+1, and 3+2 are perfect for him at this stage.
MORE: DIY kindergarten number matching game
Finally, show your child how to play the parking lot math game. I set up the area during his nap so when he woke up and found the parking lot he was intrigued! I showed him the math problems and instructed him to park the number of cars (or busses, or trains…) that corresponded to the correct answer.
For the larger numbers we counted the number of cars aloud. If he was incorrect I showed him how to separate the two groups of cars to make sure he had the right amount. For example, when he parked 5 cars in the "4+2" lot, we divided the cars so he could see he had only 4 cars plus 1 car and could correct the error.
His brother loved coaching him from the sidelines. I wrote 2+2 twice, thinking repetition would be good practice, but my kids called me out! "Too easy!" they shouted! "We already did that one!" They made me put a piece of tape over it and write 7+8. It's nice to know they don't want to rest on their laurels.
After he filled up the parking lot, the boys moved onto one of these other 20 toy car activities and games!
teachingyoungchildren says
Very cool idea to combine math with your son's passions! Thanks for co-hosting Afterschool!
Veens says
I cannot tell you how FAB this idea is, just plain perfect for the boy here! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thank you, Veens! My boys thought it was so fun.
writersideup says
Erica, I am always so impressed by your innovative creativity. This is wonderful! When I have grandchildren, I'll be here looking around for all kinds of stuff to do! 😀
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thank you so much! It makes my day to know that people enjoy my content and find it useful.
PramgaticMom says
That looks really fun! I love how the trucks and cars are different lengths so you really have to do the math!
Anna says
My one year old is all about cars... he comes into the kitchen when I'm working and tells me "Down. Cars!" so I can get down his parking garage. All your ideas for vehicle learning are going to come in handy in a year or two!!
Stephanie Whittle says
Great idea! I am featuring it this week on the AS Linky!!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks, Stephanie!
Sarah cooper says
It's a very cold winter day here and found this idea, so quick to create with things we have, son helped assemble it and is now playing happily! We created it on cardboard for easy storage and reuse and added some easy words he could learn to recognize such as "enter here" and "exit" and "this way out". Thanks for sharing your great ideas! Now following you on pinterest too!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks for you comment, Sarah. I appreciate you taking the time to leave it. I love the idea of using cardboard. I have to admit, the tape is still on our floor! The boys like to use it in their pretend play now, too.
Cathy Dean (Life's Hidden Treasures) says
great idea!! especially for boys 🙂