Total It

This is a good game for practicing quick mental computation.

What you'll need

License plates

What to do


1. Call out the numbers on the license plate.

2. See who can add the numbers up correctly. What strategies were used? (Were the numbers added by 10's like 2 + 8; were doubles like 6 + 6 used?)

3. Try different problems using the numbers in a license plate.

For example, if you use the plate number L706 KKY, ask, "Using the numbers on the plate, can you:

Make a 1 using two numbers? Yes, 7 - 6 = 1.

Make a 1 using three numbers? Yes, 7 - (6 + 0) = 1

Make 13 using 2 numbers? Yes, 7 + 6.

Adapt the calculations necessary according to the license plates, and the child's ability.

The problem solving and computation going on in your child's head is very important. It helps your child be creative with numbers.