Family Math Kits

The DREME Family Math Kits promote early math development at home through playful and fun activities that caregivers and children can do together. DREME does not sell pre-packaged kits but we provide all the information so you can assemble the kits yourself and guidance for their implementation. Some of the kit materials are downloadable PDFs available in English and Spanish on this webpage. Other materials need to be obtained or purchased from your preferred retailer for about $5 per kit per child.

The Family Math Workshop, Math Kits Overview, and Implementation Checklist equip teachers with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively use the Math Kits in partnering with families to support children’s math learning. Workshop facilitators should also make sure to review the Sample Math Kits Calendar and the Family Survey (for families to complete prior to the Workshop).


Play

Measurement Kit

Arrange a set of six pipe cleaners by length to make a rainbow and complete a family math journal to explore measurement concepts.

For each Kit, GATHER/PURCHASE:

  • A set of six different-colored pipe cleaners that have been trimmed by 1-3 inches with scissors so that each is a different length from one another.
  • A lump of play dough or soft modeling clay to make the rainbow clouds. The play dough or clay should be stored in a sealed bag so it won’t dry out.
  • A measuring tape. We suggest buying simple non-retractable tapes that can be purchased inexpensively in bulk.

For each Kit, PRINT:

ASSEMBLE THE KITS

  • Place six different-colored pipe cleaners into a sealed bag. Make sure each of the six pipe cleaners is a different color and length.
  • Place the clay or play dough into another sealed bag.
  • Put the bags, Measurement Journal, Rainbow Activity instructions, and tape measure into an envelope for each child.

Play

Shapes and More Kit

Use tangram blocks to do puzzles and complete a family math journal to explore shape concepts.

Buy materials: 

  • Each child will need a set of tangram blocks. This consists of 7 blocks: 2 large triangles, 2 small triangles, 1 medium triangle, 1 parallelogram, and 1 square. Our materials were designed with the Learning Resources brand tangrams. You can buy other brands or cut out and laminate your own- just print a puzzle page to test that your blocks fit inside the lines.
  • Small baggie for the blocks- you could use a ziploc or purchase pouches.

Print materials:

  • Each child will need a cover page listing what’s inside the kit and when to return the family math journal. These are available in English and Spanish:
  • Each child will need a set of five puzzles. The puzzles can be printed in color or black and white, and on regular paper or card stock/synthetic stock for more durability. Each child will also need a copy of the family math journal. These are available in English and Spanish:

Assemble kits:

  • Split tangrams into sets for the children. Put 2 large triangles, 2 small triangles, 1 medium triangle, 1 parallelogram, and 1 square into a ziploc bag or pouch. Color of the blocks does not matter.
  • The puzzles can be placed in a manila envelope or other folder so that they stay together.
  • Put each bag of blocks into a manila envelope or pocket folder along with the puzzles and the cover page in the correct language for each student.

Play

Sorting and Data Kit

Sort pom poms by different colors and sizes and complete a family math journal to explore sorting and data concepts.

Buy materials:

  • Each child will need a set of 15-20 pom poms. We designed our materials using pom poms that are five different colors and four different sizes. You could look for any pom poms that can be sorted by both color and size. 
  • Each child will need a small plastic bag or pouch to hold the pom poms.

Print materials:

  • Each child will need a cover page listing what’s inside the kit and when to return the family math journal. These are available in English and Spanish:
  • Each child will need two sorting mats: one for shape and one for size. You can print them on their own page or as one double-sided copy. Each child will need also need a copy of the family math journal. These are available in English and Spanish:

Assemble kits:

  • Place the pom poms in a plastic bag or pouch for each child. Make sure there is a mixture of colors and sizes in each bag.
  • Put a bag of pom poms and the two sorting mats into an envelope for each child.

Play

Patterns Kit

Use colorful dot stickers to make the caterpillar patterns and complete a family math journal to explore pattern concepts.

Buy materials:

  • Each child will need 24 dot stickers in each of these colors: red, yellow, green, and blue (96 stickers in all). These can be purchased from many different places. You can search for color coding labels.
  • Each child will need an envelope.

Print materials:

  • Each child will need a cover page listing what’s inside the kit and when to return the family math journal. These are available in English and Spanish:
  • Each child will need a copy of the activity instructions printed in color and the family math journal. These are available in English and Spanish:

Assemble kits:

  • Give each child four sheets of stickers and place them in the envelope along with the four caterpillar pages.

Play

Counting Kit

Play fun card games and complete a family math journal to explore counting concepts.

Buy materials:

  • Each child will need a deck of regular playing cards. We recommend finding sturdy cards that have colorful kid-friendly designs that can be bought in bulk.

Print materials:

Assemble kit:

  • Put the playing cards and instruction sheets in a bag for each child.

The Family Math Kits and Family Math Workshop were developed by Graciela Borsato and Sara Schnitzer in collaboration with the DREME teams at Stanford University, Boston College, and New York University. The authors gratefully acknowledge Grail Family Services (GFS) and all the teachers and caregivers who piloted the Kits and provided valuable feedback on the materials.