Ramen Noodles and Roman Numerals

I know Ramen Noodles are for eating
 and Roman Numerals are for counting,

but sometimes my kids get mixed up.

My older kids, who were allowed to eat Ramen Noodles on occasion,

used to get frustrated when learning their Ramen Numerals,
but wanted Roman Noodles  for lunch.

 Due to dietary decisions, we have nixed the Ramen Noodles

and kept the Roman Numerals,
although we still get them mixed up on occasion.

A visual person, I've learned I teach better according to my style. 

When the kids were having a hard time grasping  Roman Numerals,
a concept  we don't often use except in math class,

I needed to land the learning so they would have success for a lifetime.

I invented Roman Numeral Tiles.

 One inch squares of Fun Foam were labeled with a permanent marker. 

This lesson we were just learning to count from 1-30.

The patterning makes it very easy to understand the rules of

adding consecutive numbers together,

subtracting a lower number when placed before a larger number,

and not using a number more than three times in a row.

When set out in numerical order the beautiful number patterns

also remind us of a God who created in pattern and order.

To test her skill, I quickly made number cards,

and had her use the tiles to show the Roman Numeral equivalent.

When she stumbled with 19, I reminded her it's 10 + 9,

then she quickly found the correct tiles.

It takes a little extra time to pull out the manipulatives to enforce a lesson,

but it's time that usually won't need to be repeated.

A longer introduction to a concept,

followed by a few short reminders,

is more successful than a short introduction,

and a lot of lengthy reminders.

I found a  few free Roman Numeral worksheets from abcteach.

Your kids can enjoy a cute computer interactive game by Tullie House,

playing Snakes and Ladders with Roman Numerals.

I gave up trying to find a free bingo game,

they all wanted me to buy or subscribe to something,

so I made my own.

Yea, right in the middle of trying to blog, finish up school,

prepare for a meeting, and eat dinner,

I had to make a bingo game.

Stay tuned. I have another fun way to learn Ramen Numerals.