Help your child develop a strong math foundation and be active while she's doing it. Play Number Dash with two or more children and let the fun begin! In this activity, your child will participate in large motor play, identify numbers by appearance, experience organized game play and rules. She'll also work on her writing skills and specifically her ability to write numbers. This is a great learning game for preschoolers!
What You Need:
- Sidewalk chalk
- Large paved area
Set-Up:
- Play this game with at least two children, but the more the merrier in this case. Help the kids write large numbers in various spots on the sidewalk or paved area. Be sure that there is one of each number for each child.
- To make sure the numbers are easy to see, use dark chalk colors on light pavement, and vice versa for dark pavement. Spread the numbers out enough so that the kids won't collide as they run for them.
What to Do:
- Explain to the children that you will call out a number at random. When they hear it, they'll need to dash to one of those numbers and stand on it. Remind them to stay on the number until you call out the next one.
- Keep shouting numbers and encourage children to help out their friends. Once they've found the number, they can cheer on those who are still looking, and help them along.
This game is simple, but it's a wonderful way to help kids learn their numbers, in a fun, active way. Keep an eye on the kids and see which numbers are a cinch and which cause them to hesitate a bit-- then work those numbers until they're all second nature. You can vary the game by swapping in shapes, colors, or letters. Not only will your child work some key early math skills, but she'll get some practice following directions, an important kindergarten readiness skill.
Add your own comment