Learning to count is a key math skill. But taking the next step, being able to connect numbers with their names, is difficult for preschoolers. For example, a child might be able to count to five by rote, but unable to count out five objects-- connecting the numbers to the items. Rather than just counting fingers with your child, try using this human number line as an enjoyable, life-sized teaching aid.
With this activity, you can easily build on the numbers your child has learned well and introduce new numbers to him at his own pace. Kids walk a giant number line, physically moving a certain number of steps, as they make a mental bridge to a specific number.
What You Need:
- Clothesline rope
- Construction paper
- Marker
- Hole punch
What to Do:
- Write the word "Start" and the numerals 1, 2, and 3 on sheets of construction paper and laminate them if possible.
- Punch two holes in each sheet of paper and thread the clothesline through it. (Be sure to leave room on the rope to add numerals. You can add 0 and 4-10 later.
- Place the rope on the floor and ask your child to stand on start (this will be replaced with zero later).
- Invite your child to take one, two, or three steps along the number line and make sure he is standing on the corresponding number. Play this game several times with all three numbers until your child seems to have a strong understanding of these numbers.
When you feel he is confident and ready to move on, begin by adding 4 and 5. Then add zero. Continue adding numbers at a pace that is comfortable to him.
By Pam Schiller and Lynne Peterson
Adapted with permission from "Count On Math: Activities for Small Hands and Lively Minds." Copyright 1997 by Pam Schiller and Lynne Peterson. Used with permission of Gryphon House, Inc., Maryland. All Rights Reserved.
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