Balloon+Math


 * **Name of Activity:** **Balloon Math Practice** ||

**Purpose of Activity:** To allow practice time for locomotor skills and striking with a short handled implement while integrating math skills. **Activity cues:** Flat paddle, Racquet way back, Big Swing **Prerequisites:** Striking a balloon with short paddle; variety of locomotor skills (walk, hop, gallop, slide, etc) **Suggested Grade Level:** K - 2 **Materials Needed:** 1 lollipop paddle per student, about 5 balloons per student (20 students=100 balloons) with a simple addition and subtraction problem written on each balloon, cones to block the balloons from moving freely. Maybe a container to hold balloons. **__Description of Idea__**

To begin separate balloons into 4 stations and scatter on the floor. On 'go' students walk to any station. Each student picks up a balloon. They read the math problem to a partner and answer it by striking the balloon. Example: 1 + 2 = 3 strike the balloon 3 times. After they answer the question they return the balloon to the same station and gallop, slide, hop to a different station and pick up a new balloon. Repeat.

**Variations:** Add more stations so you could have 5 balloons in each hula hoop and 20 stations.

Use a container to hold the balloons.

**Assessment Ideas:** For a closure, ask random math problems that were printed on the balloons. Have students identify the cues for striking.