Featuring the picture book A Place for Zero: A Math Adventure by Angeline Sparagna LoPresti
Help your child discover the unique ways zero and one behave in multiplication with this PF on the Go kit. Through the journey of a character named Zero who is searching for his place in the land of Digitaria, families explore what happens when numbers are multiplied by zero or one. This kit helps children move beyond simple calculation to understand the "identity" and "zero" properties of multiplication, concepts that can often feel abstract but are made clear through this engaging story. As you read together, the "Interactive Read Aloud" moments encourage children to think about how Zero’s role changes depending on the math operation being used.
The learning continues with Zero/One Memory, a card game that challenges players to quickly identify the results of multiplying various numbers by 0 or 1. The kit also includes Relational Symbol activities, where children use dry-erase boards to compare equations and practice using symbols like greater than, less than, and equal to. By discussing why multiplying by zero results in zero, children build logical reasoning skills. These activities work together to take the mystery out of these special numbers, giving your child the confidence to tackle new multiplication challenges.
Included Materials:
- A Place for Zero: A Math Adventure by Angeline Sparagna LoPresti
- Dry erase boards (2)
- Dry erase markers (2)
- Standard deck of playing cards
- Relational Symbols activity sheet
- Four full-color activity cards printed on durable card stock, with clear, step-by-step instructions for every activity
Start with Kit A and progress in order to Kit J. Kits A–E are prerequisites for Kits F–J. Students should master the facts in the prerequisite kits before starting the later kits.