4 Crafts to Learn Mathematics

Numbers can be much easier for young children to understand thanks to these crafts to learn mathematics. Discover what they are!
4 Crafts to Learn Mathematics
María José Roldán

Written and verified by the psychopedagogue María José Roldán.

Last update: 19 March, 2023

For many children, mathematics can be very complicated, while others find it easier and are fascinated by it. Arts and crafts are generally welcomed by all children and, in this regard, we are going to bring these two worlds together to make understanding numbers easier and more fun. In the following article, we’ll suggest 5 crafts to learn mathematics.

In this way, children will realize that mathematics can be very entertaining. These crafts are made with materials that you can find in your daily life, so the investment will be minimal. Don’t miss them and don’t hesitate to make with your children those crafts that you find more interesting.

1. Math rockets

For this craft, you’ll only need papers, cardboard, colors or markers, scissors, a string, pencils, and small beads. Then, you simply need to follow the steps below:

  1. Draw funny rockets on the paper and color them.
  2. On each rocket, draw a number.
  3. Then, glue it onto cardboard to give it more strength.
  4. Tie the string to the back of the rocket.

Once the craft is finished, the child will have to take the exact number of balls in the rocket and put them on a string. You can even do sums between two rockets and find the result by putting the corresponding balls in a third one that has a question mark instead of a number.

A child making paper rockets.
Making colored rockets is one of the crafts to learn mathematics.

2. Math plates

This is a very simple craft and, if done right, you can get good results. In this case, you’ll need a cardboard plate, colored paper, a die, a black marker, and buttons.

The craft consists of dividing the plate in half and drawing a horizontal line that’s well-marked. On a piece of paper, add each mathematical sign that you want to use, for example, addition or subtraction. Then, roll the die twice and add or subtract the numbers that come up. The buttons are used to symbolize the numbers obtained and show the final result after adding or subtracting the operation.

3. Learning fractions with plates

For many children, fractions can be complicated to understand, but with this craft, everything will be easier for them. To make it, you need plastic or paper plates, colored paints, a black marker, and a paintbrush.

The activity consists of dividing the plates into the fractions you want and cutting them out. With the marker, you’ll have to write the fraction that each cut-out portion represents. Afterward, separate the parts so that they can be better visualized, and then tell the child to reassemble them to complete the plates.

Of course, for children to assimilate this game better, you need to explain why the plates are cut out and then reassembled. This way, the craft will be more fun and enjoyable for them. To do this, you can give examples of slices of pizza or pieces of cake that are handed out at a birthday party.

4. Associating numbers

This craft is very simple and is designed for children to learn to relate the numbers from 0 to 10 with their corresponding quantities. To make it, you need cardboard, colored markers, scissors, and flat popsicle sticks. Then, follow these steps:

  1. Draw and cut out a strip horizontally with lines that divide it into 11 spaces. Inside each box, you have to write a number. These should be ordered from 0 to 10.
  2. You can paint them in the most beautiful and original way you want.
  3. Next, take 11 flat popsicle sticks and put dots on them. On the first, put one dot, on the second, two dots, and so on. Also, leave one stick with no dots to represent the number 0.

Once the craft is ready, the children will only have to put the stick you give them on top of the corresponding number. If you allow them to participate in the preparation of this craft, they’ll feel even more motivated to concentrate and guess where to put each stick.

Colored paper and a pair of scissors.
With colored cardboard, scissors, and some popsicle sticks, you can make a simple and fun craft to learn math.

Play, have fun, and learn mathematics!

As you can see, these crafts to learn mathematics are very easy to make and can be carried out with homemade materials. Therefore, you can help your children to better understand mathematics and its abstract concepts, as well as to internalize this subject as something enjoyable and fun.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.