Did you know that April is Math Appreciation Month?  If not, I'm pleased to be the one to tell you.  I think I am uniquely qualified to spread the "Make math, not tension" message.  You see, I'm a recovering math phobic.  I can freely admit this because I have conquered my fear of math.  I'm a huge math-fan now and love to share with other people just how exciting and fun math is.  Throughout this month I'll be sharing with you some of our favorite ways to delve into math.  For now I'd like to start you off with a list of great math websites, to wet your whistle.  Yes, I'm tempting you and soon you too will be a math junkie!  Don't say I didn't warn you you.

Dr. Math

Do you ever have a math question that buzzes in your brain?  You can't get rid of it and no one around you seems to have the answer?  Well, puzzle no longer.  If it isn't in Dr. Math's FAQ you can write in and ask! Dr. Math receives about 300 questions a day so save him and yourself time by thoroughly searching the archives before you ask.  Bottom line: this is a great site to have book-marked.  Wonderful resource.

Brain Binders

Plenty of printable math puzzles here.  The challenge is to fold the paper in a way that matches the example on the webpage.  You'll need to match both shape and colors.  These are great as warm up fun for math clubs or even as an opening activity for Cub Scout meetings.  Many levels of difficulty offered.

Home Made Manipulatives

I'm of the opinion that you cannot have FUN with math without good manipulatives.  Your wallet won't cry when you make these yourself and your kids will love them.  Bottom line: this site is well worth the look.  Representing abstract concepts with manipulatives is a life saver for some kids.

Tangrams

We couldn't talk about math and fun without including Tangrams.  The beauty of  Tangrams is that anyone, of any age, can play and learn.  Tangrams have staying power.  They've been around hundreds of years.  Explore this site for fun ways to use Tangrams and get instructions for how to make your own set.  If you use card stock or sturdy art paper and laminate your pieces you can use them for a long time. 

And lastly two websites for online fun.

FunBrain.com

This is a direct link to the math games offered at FunBrain.com.  What I love about this site is how easy it is to navigate and how much variety they offer.  Games are grouped by subject and by grade level.. You'll find elementary to high school games on this site.  Bottom line:  this is an excellent, and fun way to mix up the day a bit.  You can use play time at FunBrain.com as a reward for effort during the homeschool day.  Great way to get in necessary practice without choking the kid with worksheet after worksheet.  Colorful site, great graphics - a real treat for kids.

Riddle of the Sphinx

Stumbled onto this neat little game, courtesy of DiscoverySchool.com.  If you make it through the puzzles/riddles presented there is a surprise ending!  It's a fun way to spend a few minutes.  There are only 3 challenges which are not changed/rotated.  You'll get 2 tries to answer each puzzle.  While you're there be sure to check out the Brain Boosters for great logic puzzles you can print and solve.

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