License Plate Math

This summer math activity is an oldie but goodie.  It's simple, just use numbers from license plates to create math problems. 

You can do License Plate Math anywhere you see license plates -while walking on the sidewalk, riding mass transit or riding in your own vehicle.  A short jaunt to the grocery store is perfect for License Plate Math or as a break while traveling cross county. 

No matter when you use it with your child, License Plate Math provides a quick round of summer math practice without the need for a worksheet or app.  There are many different variations to consider, some depending on your child's math knowledge. 

Before looking at many different ways to use License Plate Math, let's recognize that many kids use devices to help keep their smiles for miles.  Introducing something new like License Plate Math should be done in a way that has a chance at keeping the happiness.  Transitioning from devices to an alternative might require creativity on your part, even some trial and error and probably even a certain amount of persistence. 

If your child usually passes time on road trips by using a device, introduce the idea of eye 'breaks' every hour on the hour, similar to the rest breaks implemented at some swimming pools.  Lifeguards call all kids under a certain age to exit the pool for a 10 minute break. 

Don't wait until you are an hour into the trip before mentioning this summer math activity.  Prepare your kids when discussing the trip in the days leading up to it.  Set your phone for an hour when starting out on the road and mention to your kids that you've done so. 

You know your child best, when introducing the idea of doing summer math practice while on-the-move, do so in a way that acknowledges it's something different.  Present it in a way that will set your kids up for success.  If necessary, try it as a 5-minute break and connect the level of cooperation and focus on the activity to the length of time before the next break. 

If you already use License Plate Math with your family, check the list below for ideas on how you might switch it up a bit for different types of summer math practice.

Disclaimer:  If you are the driver, your attention to this activity will obviously be limited and therefore you should select a format and variation that doesn't distract you.  Please keep your attention fully on your driving.

Use any variation of License Plate Math with any format. 

Choose the format of License Plate Math that will best fit your child/children. 

Will you establish a sequence for players to take their turns?  If you do, consider whether it is an advantage or disadvantage for the youngest player to go first.

If children with different math levels are playing at the same time, each child can play with a variation that fits their level of math skills. 

Are you playing or…'riding this one out'?

Will players earn points?  What does the winner receive?  Or, is everyone earning points collectively for the good of the group and a predetermined number of points.  Does the game simply end or does the group earn a treat of some sort (or time on their devices). 

Also be prepared to explain how wrong answers will be treated.  Does the participant continue trying until the correct answer is reached?  Or, does the participant lose their turn? 

Lastly, plan ahead for how you will respond if someone requests to continue  License Plate Math beyond the time you've designated.  It might be worth making it a hard-stop, attempting to keep a high interest level for the next time. 

Select a version of License Plate Math that fits each child's level of understanding. 

To make the most of this type summer math practice, switch it up to keep it interesting…keeping the brain cells engaged in different types of skills.

1. Computation:

• Pick a license plate with at least 2 numbers.  Two (or more) of the numbers are combined to create a basic math equation.  In this version, the numbers used from the license plate can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided while the answer is not necessarily from the license plate.  (4+3=7)
• Same as above but double points are awarded when the equal sign is placed before the operation. (7=4+3)  Practice before the car ride if this is not familiar to your child.
• Designate one operation to be used rather than players having the choice of operations.
• A license plate with 3 or more numbers is used for equations with two operations (or more).  Either the same or different operations can be used.  (2+3+4=) or (2x3+4=)

2. Fractions:

• Add with a predetermined common denominator.  (3/4 + 2/4 =  5/4)
• Give extra points when the equation equals one or more wholes.  (2/4 + 2/4 = 1)
• Add to reach a predetermined number of wholes.  (2/3 + 4/3 = 6/3 or 2 wholes)
• Add using a predetermined numerator. (1/2 +1/4 = 3/4)
• Remember, it's always a good idea to reinforce with extra points when the equal sign is placed before the operation symbol.  (7/8 = 4/8 + 3/8)

3. Negative numbers:

• Add all digits from the license plate as negative numbers: (-2 + -3 = -5)
• Add one digit as negative and the other digit as positive:  (-2 + 3 = 1)
• Designate another operation or free choice.  (-2 x 3 = -6)  Consider assigning higher points to more difficult problems.
• Don't forget, reward with extra points when the equal sign is placed before the operation symbol. (-5 = -2 + -3) 

 4. Money (cents or dollars)

• Add using a predetermined coin. (2 nickels + 4 nickels = 30 cents)
• Multiply with a predetermined coin. (5 x a nickel = 25 cents)
• Add all the digits on the license plate.  Then, skip count a specified coin that many times. (2+2+4+3=11…count 11 nickels = 55 cents)
• Add coins by using each digit on the license plate as a number of coins.  Each type of coin can be used only for one digit on the license plate, trying to add up to the highest amount of money possible for that license plate.  (4 quarters, 3 dimes, 2 nickels, 2 pennies = $1.42)
• Use any of the above with dollar bills instead of coins)

5. Place value:

• Highest Number:  Use each digit of the license plate as a digit in a number, creating the highest number possible. (4,322)
• Lowest Number:  Use each digit of the license plate as a digit in a number, creating the lowest number possible.  (2,234)
• Use designated number of digits from the license plate to make a number and then add a predetermined number such as 10, 100, or 1,000.  (243 + 100 = 343)

6. Time: 

• Make a time using 3 or 4 digits from the license plate and add a predetermined amount of minutes or hours.  (4:23 + 1 hour = 5:23)  (4:23 + 10 minutes = 4:33)
• Make a time using 3 or 4 digits from the license plate and tell what time it was, at a predetermined amount of minutes or hours.  (2:43, 3 hours ago it was 11:43)

7. Additional categories:

• Length: Identifying a license plate that has digits adding up to a foot (12 inches).
• Capacity: Identifying a license plate that has a gallon (4 quarts or 4 x 16 or equals 64 in some way).

Tips for success: 

Keep the activity short and sweet.  Five to ten minutes is plenty of time for one round.  Revisit it frequently rather than extending License Plate Math for miles and miles. 

Make it a positive exchange.  Be complementary to your child for how they focus and persevere in License Plate Math.  Notice how your child manipulates the digits on the license plate to complete the mathematics at different levels.

During long road trips that extend across many states, make it a tradition to do a few minutes of License Plate Math each time you enter a new state.  Consider making an additional rule for the first miles inside a different state.  License plates from the state you just entered are the only plates that can be used for that round.  Who knows, maybe your child will be the one who requests another round of License Plate Math! 

Click here if you'd like to print a copy of the different versions to keep handy in your car or bag.  Or, take a picture of the list on your phone. 

I wish you safe travels and miles of smiles!

Let's make s'more teachable moments, together!

Ron