Making learning puzzles for children to use is really quite simple and they provide drill and practice in a fun format. I like to use index cards because they are fairly inexpensive, easy to work with, and are more durable than sheet paper. Either the 3x5 or the 4x6 inch size will work. Put the skill work on one half of the card. On the same side, other half, write the anwer. Then cut the card apart using curves, or puzzle shapes. You can buy a set of coin stamps for a few dollars at your local teacher's store. With the stamps, put coins on the left side with the amount of money on the right side. Depending on the child's ability level, you can work on recognizing coins and words, or adding different amounts or numbers of coins. The child will instantly know if his answer is correct because the puzzle pieces will fit.
Holiday cooking is the perfect activity to help your child learn more about measurement. As you make your Christmas cookies, candies, and cakes, let your child help you. Take time to show your child the different size measuring cups and spoons and allow him to fill them with flour or sugar. Show him the difference in level measurements and heaping ones. Also, show your child measurement amounts on cans and cartons. Actually seeing amounts and working with them teach children far more than dozens of worksheets in the classroom. Let your child do the cooking with easy recipes such as cinnamon toast or French toast. Be sure to supervise any time your child is using the stove.
Very little can replace good old fashioned drill and practice for learning basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. You can make the practice a little more enjoyable at times. Children love games and they accept almost anything as a game if you give them a chance to be the winner! Use index cards or squares of construction paper to make 2 sets of game cards with math facts written on them. You can use them to play games such as Go Fish and Concentration. Children also enjoy playing games of War or Slap Jack with the cards. The children have to say the correct answer to be able to keep the cards. They are also good for flash cards to provide some more practice and drill.