Post by Rebecca Green of Not So SAHM

Now that our kids are getting older, I find myself constantly grateful for their teachers. For a multitude of reasons, really. But especially because I find it so hard to get them to focus sometimes. Kane is becoming increasingly interested in math, but it’s definitely not one of his most favorite subjects. And that means he often rushes through math problems. So I’ve been looking for a hands-on way to slow him down a bit and thought that a math code might do the trick. He’s always loved decoding (you might recall my attempts to use hieroglyphics to teach him the English alphabet) and he’s still a total building fiend. So I combined both in a fun and fairly basic math (for a first grader) game for him.

You can use any set of blocks you have, but we used this gorgeous It Makes a Village Block Set from Nod. Once you’ve gathered your blocks (you’ll need a set of 26)

1. Print the code sheet (click HERE)
2. Print the coded sentences and math problems (click HERE)

Cut out the labels from The Code sheet and adhere to your blocks — you can either print on sticker paper and attach them more permanently or use a light tape to temporarily stick them to your blocks (I did the latter because the Nod blocks are absurdly beautiful). Put one number sticker on the front and the coordinating coded alphabet label on the back of the block. Jumble them up!

Starting with the first code sheet, have your child (with as much adult help as appropriate) solve each math problem. Taking one word at a time, have your child locate the respectively numbered blocks and the corresponding letter on the back. Write in each letter in the color-coded spot to spell a word. Continue with each word until you’ve completed the sentence and cracked the code!***

It took Kane a few minutes to catch on, but by the end of the first word, he was hooked (and even caught a few of my math mistakes, which I fixed!). Once he cracked the codes, he took to spelling out words he knew using the blocks and requested that I make additional vowel and commonly-used letter blocks. I drew the line when he asked for an ampersand, though. Feel free to use the code to make up additional puzzles!

Thanks to The Land of Nod for the blocks we used in our game!

P.S. If you have younger children who aren’t adding and subtracting yet, you can still use the printables to make your own game by skipping the math problems and simply writing the numbers under each letter space for your kids. They can then practice identifying numbers and letters to fill in the code. You can also simply mark blocks with the alphabet and number labels and see if your kids can help put them in the correct alphabetical order or spell simple words.

*** Sentences are:
Code 1: Nice Work!
Code 2: What a Great Job!
Code 3: What is Your Spy Name?
Code 4: You Are a Super Sleuth!
Code 5: Top Secret Sneak!

Rebecca is a mom to two young kiddos and, in her spare time (ha!), likes to pretend she’s a back-up dancer, craft cocktails, and run long distances. A relatively recent SAHM, she blogs family-friendly activities, DIYs and celebration fun at Not-So-SAHM.