It is very essential to develop number concepts at early stage. Fun activities and special methods aid the young learners to develop early numeracy skills. The activities include concrete materials that they can touch, explore and manipulate in various ways. Experience and exploration is vital in their understanding of number concepts.
Many children at the age of 2 start to mimic or parrot the number words from one to ten as part of their rote counting skill. Yet, they don't have a concrete understanding what number really means.
There are many fun and exciting ways to do in the classroom to develop their numeracy concept. It is more than paper and pencil activities:)
Dot Cards
I am using dot cards for counting or comparing numbers. I also used colored bear counters to add a variety. First, the child is asked to pick a dot card to count. Once the child is finished counting the dots, he/she is asked to get the colored bear counters and place it on top of each dot as they count along. This is also a good practice to develop one-to-one correspondence. The teacher can also ask the children who has more bear counters and who has less which develops their comparing skills.
Unifix Cubes
Usually, the children like to build towers and various objects using our unifix cubes which is ok as it is a part of their exploration. As we progress in our math skills, they have learned that there are many ways to use the cubes which help them develop their number sense. It is heart-warming to see them using these cubes more than just building towers.
One of the center activities we have is the use of pipe cleaners with a number card attached to the other end of it. The children will pick one pipe cleaner and say the number. For those who are not able to identify the numbers yet, they can count the stars to assist them. Once they say the number, they can now pick unifix cubes from our tray and push it through the pipe cleaner. This activity develops their counting skill, 1:1 correspondence and fine motor skills.
Once the above activities are introduce, you can ask the children to revisit the activities during quiet time, for early finishers and when you need a few free minutes.
Usually, the children like to build towers and various objects using our unifix cubes which is ok as it is a part of their exploration. As we progress in our math skills, they have learned that there are many ways to use the cubes which help them develop their number sense. It is heart-warming to see them using these cubes more than just building towers.
One of the center activities we have is the use of pipe cleaners with a number card attached to the other end of it. The children will pick one pipe cleaner and say the number. For those who are not able to identify the numbers yet, they can count the stars to assist them. Once they say the number, they can now pick unifix cubes from our tray and push it through the pipe cleaner. This activity develops their counting skill, 1:1 correspondence and fine motor skills.
Once the above activities are introduce, you can ask the children to revisit the activities during quiet time, for early finishers and when you need a few free minutes.
