Addition and subtraction is sometimes a difficult concept for some kids. The best way to introduce this is to use visual aids. Here in this printable busy bag, we use clothespins to add and subtract to bring that concept together.

Math doesn’t have to be all worksheets; make it FUN! This Dinosaur Math Printable Busy Bag is a perfect example!

Dinosaur Math Printable Busy Bag

Helping children learn and practice important concepts does not have to be boring. Use interests that your children already have, like dinosaurs, and integrate them into activities. Regardless if they ‘hate math,’ they are having fun because it feels like playing.

Another plus about this activity is that it is low prep and great for repeated use.

To make this dinosaur math busy bag, you will need:

 

• Clothespins or Pegs: use the larger ones for smaller children and the smaller ones for older children to provide more of a challenge. It does not matter if you get the plain wood or colored ones.
• Laminator
• Foam Dice I like this pack due to the price point and can be used with other activities too! (optional)
• Dry Erase Marker
• Our Dinosaur Math Printable (download below)

Step one is to prep the activity, print off the pages and cut them out. Laminate the dinosaurs to provide a more solid item for the clothespins to be pinned onto.

There are varieties of dinosaurs, so kids can choose which dinosaur they would like to help them do their math.

You might also like: Dinosaur 1-20 Frames

Next, choose the size of clothespins based on your child’s fine motor skills development. Younger children will use the larger clothespins. These are within their capabilities but will help strengthen their fine motor skills. Older kids will use the smaller clothes pins. They are more challenging to keep the activity interesting and, at the same time, strengthen fine motor skills!

Another fantastic element of this activity is that there is the option for addition and subtraction! Each dinosaur has a square for the numbers, the equal sign, and either a plus sign or minus sign.

Playing with these mats is incredibly easy and fun!

Optionally, you can choose to use a foam die to pick the numbers that are used. This is helpful for ensuring that the numbers are random. There are foam dice that show higher numbers than 6 for children who need more of a challenge.

Roll the dice for the first number; write this number in the first square. Grab that many clothespins and pin them to the top. Then roll the dice for the second number and write that number in the second box. If adding, add that number of clothespins to the dinosaur. If subtracting, take that number away.

The clothespins are a perfect way to help children visually see the addition or subtraction. This is also fantastic for helping to strengthen fine motor skills.

I also love that this is all in a busy bag. It can be taken to any room in the house or in a car. It can be used during a doctor’s appointment or at a restaurant. This makes such a perfect activity all around.

Download Your FREE printable here:

If your little one has an interest in dinosaurs, this is a fantastic way to help teach addition and subtraction and then strengthen fine motor skills!

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