Candy Math Lab
That pile of treats is a math lab in disguise. Your child invents a sorting rule, counts and compares the groups, builds a real candy graph, and figures out how to share the pile fairly. It works perfectly on November 1, too.
The lesson goal is children will sort objects by a rule they choose, count and compare groups, show the results in a bar graph, and share a set into equal groups, then decide what to do with the leftovers.
What You Need
Missing something? Don't let it stop you. The app offers easy alternatives for every item you have at home.
Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Make a Sorting Rule5 Min
- Pour the treats onto the table and invite your child to observe them.
- Ask: 'How could we put these into different groups? What rule could we use?'
- Have your child sort all the treats. Ask: 'Can you explain your sorting rule to me?'
- Move on when Every piece is in a group and your child can explain the rule.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels - 2
Count and Compare5 Min
- Count the number of treats in each of the sorted groups.
- Ask: 'Which group has the most? Which has the fewest?'
- Ask: 'How many more does the biggest group have than the smallest?'
- Move on when Your child has counted every group and found the most and the fewest.
Photo by Czapp Árpád on Pexels - 3
Build a Candy Graph7 Min
- Line up each sorted group of treats in a column on paper, starting from the same bottom line.
- For each treat, color one square above it on the paper to make a bar.
- Ask: 'What does your graph tell us about the treats?'
- Move on when Your child has a finished graph and can read it.
Photo by Sergey Meshkov on Pexels - 4
Share It Fairly6 Min
- Set out 2 or 3 small cups, one for each person or imaginary person.
- Have your child share the treats so every cup has the same number.
- Ask: 'Did you have any treats left over? What should we do with them?'
- Move on when The treats are shared equally and your child can explain the leftovers.
- 5
Math Report2 Min
- Ask your child to finish: 'Our graph shows...' and 'Sharing fairly means...'
- Move on when Your child shares one fact from the graph and one idea about fair sharing.
Photo by Вячеслав Ткачёв on Pexels
Personalize The Spark
Add a twist your child will love, and we'll email you a printable guide made just for them. New to Mai? We'll set you up with a free 30-day guest pass so you can open it in the app.