Information and Resources
Take Math Shopping!
Percents, estimation, and comparative analysis become more understandable when they are used in-context at the grocery store. Teaching opportunities present themselves every day, in nearly any context. Parents and teachers alike are capable of providing engaging, challenging, and enriching moments intended to extend and apply learning to real-life situations.
Computing in the Bulk Food Aisle
Kids can look at the price per unit, weigh the items, and mentally compute or estimate the total price. Be sure that they keep the price per pound or unit in mind as they figure out the totals.
Comparing in the Candy Aisle
Price per unit can also be used when comparing prices, values, and cost. Learners can compare various candies via weight and price per unit to determine which of two items is a better value.
Calculating Coupon Savings
Coupons and sale items are perfect when you want to practice calculating percentages. Start by ensuring that learners know that a percentage is a part of a whole, just like a decimal, or a fraction.
Pondering Percents
Working from the idea that percents, fractions, and decimals are all related. Kids can use scales, unit price, and standard measurements to show you that ¼ cup is similar
to .25 of a pound and to 25% of a 100.
Albert Einstein said, “Education is what you remember after you forget everything you’ve learned.” If kids can’t connect their learning to real life, they are more likely to forget the concepts they are learning. A trip to the grocery store can ensure that kids connect math concepts with real life.
Adapted from lessonplanet.com
