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Khan Academy Kids Maths

Where is real-world maths hiding in Khan Academy Kids off-screen follow-ups?

Turn a screen activity into counting toys, snacks or steps nearby.

Quick answer

Real-world maths is hiding everywhere around you, even when you're not looking at a screen. Every time you count your toys, share snacks, or take steps to the kitchen, you're doing maths!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to see and use maths in everyday life, even when you're not using a screen.

Why this matters

Maths isn't just something you do in school or on a screen. It's all around you, helping you understand the world. When you count your toys, measure ingredients, or plan how many steps to walk, you're using maths to solve real problems. This helps you think more clearly, make better decisions, and enjoy learning more.

How it works

Maths happens all the time, even when you're not looking at a screen. You can use maths to:
  • Count things
  • Share fairly
  • Measure distances
  • Sort and compare
  • Plan your day
Every time you do these things, you're using maths. The best part? You don’t even need a calculator or a worksheet.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some ways you use maths in your daily life, even when you’re not using a screen. Example 1: Counting your toys Imagine you have 5 toy cars and your friend gives you 3 more. How many toy cars do you have now?
  • 5 toy cars + 3 toy cars = 8 toy cars
Example 2: Sharing snacks You have 12 cookies and want to share them equally with 3 friends. How many cookies does each person get?
  • 12 cookies ÷ 4 people = 3 cookies each
Example 3: Planning a walk You want to walk 10 steps to the kitchen and 5 steps to the bathroom. How many steps in total?
  • 10 steps + 5 steps = 15 steps

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Maths Hunt You are a detective looking for maths in your house, garden, or even your school. Here’s your mission: 1st time: Count how many chairs are in your living room. 2nd time: Look at how many plates are on the table for dinner. 3rd time: Count how many steps it takes to walk from your bedroom to the kitchen. 4th time: See how many books are on a shelf. 5th time: Measure how many cups of water you drink in a day. 6th time: See how many toys you can fit in a box. 7th time: Think of one more way you use maths in your day. 8th time: Share your findings with a parent or friend. This adventure helps you see how much maths is all around you, even when you're not on a screen.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that maths only happens on screens or in books. Why it happens: Children often see maths as something separate from real life. Fix: Look around your house or garden for numbers, shapes, and patterns.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to count or measure things that are already there. Why it happens: It’s easy to ignore things we see every day. Fix: Make a list of things to count and check off as you go.
  • Mistake: Not sharing your discoveries with others. Why it happens: Some children think their ideas are not interesting. Fix: Remember that every idea is valuable, and sharing helps others learn too.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Encouraging children to notice numbers, shapes, and patterns around them
  • Asking questions like, "How many steps do we take to get to the car?" or "Can you share these snacks equally?"
  • Playing the "maths hunt" game together
  • Helping children record their discoveries in a simple notebook or drawing
  • Noticing when children are already doing maths and praising their thinking
What to say:
  • "Wow, you noticed how many plates there are!"
  • "How did you figure out how many steps it is?"
  • "That’s a great way to think about sharing!"
What not to worry about:
  • Children may not always get the right answer at first
  • They may not always know the words for maths ideas
  • They may be more interested in the fun than the maths

Practice questions

  1. How many legs do 4 cats have?
  2. If you have 10 stickers and give 2 to your friend, how many do you have left?
  3. How many minutes does it take to brush your teeth?
  4. How many windows are in your house?
  5. How many steps are in your garden?
Answers:
  1. 4 cats × 4 legs = 16 legs
  2. 10 stickers – 2 stickers = 8 stickers
  3. 2 minutes (or more, depending on the child)
  4. Depends on the house
  5. Depends on the garden

FAQ

Q: What is the point of looking for maths off-screen?

It helps children see that maths is part of everyday life, not just something you do in school or on a screen. This builds confidence and shows how useful maths can be.

Q: How can I make maths fun when it’s not on a screen?

You can play games like "count the steps", "find shapes", or "measure how far you can jump". Making it a game makes it more fun and helps children learn.

Q: Is it okay if my child doesn’t notice maths at first?

Yes! It takes time to see maths in everyday life. Keep encouraging and asking questions, and your child will start to notice more.

Q: Can I do this with my child even if they are very young?

Absolutely! Even 3-year-olds can count toys or notice how many cookies are on a plate. Start with simple ideas and build up.

Q: How can I help my child if they don’t want to play the maths hunt?

Try joining in! Let them be the detective and you follow their lead. You can also make it into a story, like "we’re looking for the magic numbers in our house".