If you're trying to teach kids odd and even numbers in the classroom or at home, be patient.The kids can start to see the pattern if the concept is introduced first.Work on activities to reinforce the idea in the classroom and use activities at home to allow kids to work on the concept.
Step 1: To establish a pattern, count even objects as a class.
Start with the same numbers.Students can pair up the items and count them off by 2s.Ask students if they notice a pattern.You can divide each pair into 2 groups if they're having trouble understanding.Group by group, count aloud.You can show that each even number can be divided into two equal groups.
Step 2: You can ask students about odd numbers.
Ask students if they can guess what makes a number odd.When students get closer, count items in groups of odd numbers.Students should pair the items together.Students will see that there's 1 left over each time.Say it aloud for them.
Step 3: Students should be taught to look for the ones' place to decipher larger numbers.
In a column, write large even numbers on the board.You should do the same for odd numbers in a separate column.Underline the numbers.To decide if the number is odd or even, students should look for the ones column.Students will tell you if the numbers are odd or even.
Step 4: The characters "Odd Todd" and "even Steven" can be used.
You can make a visual for each character.Half a poster board or a piece of construction paper can be used for each character.Students can put items in each hand if the characters have large hands.It is possible to make them slightly larger than your hands.Students should be told a story about the characters.Steven loves being equal and always wants the same amount in each hand.Odd Todd doesn't like to have the same amount in each hand.There are plates of items, such as candy or marbles.Ask students which character the plate is for, and count out the items together.Once you've decided, have a student count out the items and put them in the character's hands.As they count, have the child alternate between the 2 hands of the character.Count each hand to see if they're the same or not.
Step 5: Students can pair up small objects on their own.
The students should grab a few of the cubes.Each student should count how many cubes they have at their desk.Ask the students if they have any left.Ask the student how many cubes they have.You can write those numbers on the board.Above them, write "odd".Explain that they have one leftover.Ask the students if they have any leftover.The numbers can be written on the board.They divide out evenly so write above them.
Step 6: You can play a game of identifying odd and even.
The students should put their heads on their desk.Start with something small.If students think it's even, have them raise their hands and put them on their heads.The purpose of the game is to see how much students are comprehending.You can go over the concept again after the game.If students catch on to larger odd-even numbers, keep getting bigger.
Step 7: Try a mystery game.
Each student should have an index card.If you want to create a number using dots, write it on each one.You will write 8 dots below the number if you write "8".The numbers are mystery.The students should take a card.If the number is odd or even, tell them to pair up the dots.They should write "even" or "odd" by the number.Place the card in the odd bag or even bag if they decide to do so.Ask them to tell the class why they think the number is odd or even.
Step 8: Students can color in a chart of 100 numbers.
There should be a box for each number.Have students color the odd and even numbers.The task can be done at home or in the classroom.
Step 9: Use a bubble sheet.
There are random numbers in bubbles on the page.The students can color the odd bubbles 1 color and the even bubbles another color.Students can be asked to do this task at home.
Step 10: Print or create a maze.
The character who needs to get to the bottom should be at the top of the page.There should be a chart of numbers on the page.The numbers should be even except for the pathway the character will need to take to the bottom.The students can trace the odd numbers with a pen or marker.