With winter vacation ahead, it’ll feel good to take a breath and forget about school for a minute. At the same time, no one wants to see kids slide back again and forget everything they’ve learned so far this year. For math especially, new learning builds on previously learned skills.

In order for students to maintain grade-level learning (or to help bridge any gaps in math they may still need to close), here are seven ideas to keep kids learning math over winter break so they’re set up for success when they return for the second half of the school year: 

Make Math Merry

  1. Play lots of games. Popular board and card games, like Uno and Monopoly, can help kids with math. So can video games, according to Andrew Lee. Math games are a fun way to practice math skills, and they can help kids feel less anxious about math. Teaching times tables with stories, songs, games, and activities help make math fun. Set up family game nights, play mental math games in the car, and grab an extra controller when your kids sit down to play video games!
  2. Practice math every day. Turn every room in the house into a math playground. Kids can practice math everywhere!
  3. Make the most of car rides. Pop in Times Tables the Fun Way audiobook, or ask quiz questions as you’re driving to the next holiday location. 
  4. Compete for fun. With Times Tables the Fun Way Clue Cards, students can compete against themselves by trying to better their previous times with a small group of clue cards (about 10). Or, you can divide kids into groups and have relay races with the clue card sets.
  5. Read one story per day. Snuggle up with a copy of Times Tables the Fun Way or Addition the Fun Way. Bedtime is preferable because kids will have the night’s sleep to allow the story to gel in long-term memory. The following day, ask your child to tell you the story or the fact. For instance, “Do you remember that story for 6 x 6? What was it?” Your learner can then tell the story in their own words.
  6. Take your child shopping with you. Heading out to the grocery store over winter break? Have your child come along and track your spending to make sure you’re staying within a set budget. Or let them help you shop for gifts for friends, family, or charitable donations. Holiday sales and discounts present great opportunities to explore percentages and demonstrate how math can help you make smart consumer decisions and make every penny count!
  7. Cook together. From baking cookies with little ones to inviting older kids to help put out the Christmas feast, cooking is an excellent opportunity to learn life skills while incorporating math and problem-solving. Want to double your favorite cookie recipe so that you have plenty to share? Invite your child to help work out the math.

Test Their Retention

Want to know how well your child or students retained their math facts over the holidays? Have them take this free times tables test before they leave school for the holidays, and then have them retake it when they return to school in January. Notice any slippage? Sign them up for Online Times Alive to quickly get them back up to speed on their math facts.

Ready to give Online Times Alive a try? Start your free trial membership now!