Kindergarteners need to recognize whole numbers from 0 up to 30. They will need lots of exposure to these numbers in print and will eventually need to understand the value of each number as well. Spending time on some of the following activities will provide good practice with number recognition. You can also do any the activities in the previous post about letter recognition, substituting numbers for letters.
1. Trace the numbers with stencils.
2. Make the numbers with Wikki-Stix or Bendaroos. Do you know about these things? They're bendable waxy sticks that you can sculpt into just about any shape. They're great - my own kids love them and will spend hours sculpting things with them.
3. Number magnets for the fridge. Kids can play with the magnets while you work in the kitchen.
4. Draw and paint crayon-resist numbers. Write a number in pencil and have your child trace over the number with a crayon. Next have your child paint all over the paper with water colors. The crayon will resist the paint and the number will show through.
All of these activities can be used to work on letter recognition as well. Have fun with your numbers!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Letter Recognition
Kindergarteners love the alphabet, and they need to memorize the letter names. They need to know the letter name that is associated with each letter symbol for all 26 letters, both uppercase and lowercase. Repeated exposures to the letters in print will help them do this. Start with the uppercase letters. And remember, children learn through repetition so you'll want to practice the letters many, many times. Mix it up with different activities to hold their interest. Here are some ideas:
1. Read ABC books. There are lots of these books out there, with many different themes. See the list of alphabet books here on my blog for some specific titles. If you're going to purchase any of these through Amazon, be sure to click the "Amazon School Rewards Program" button and Edna Maguire will receive up to 10% of your purchase total.
2. Make the letters out of clay, play dough or pipe cleaners.
3. Paint the letters with finger paint.
4. Make "light letters" using construction paper and a toothpick. Write a letter on a piece of construction paper. Place the paper on a rug and have your child use a toothpick or thumbtack to punch holes along the lines of the letters. Hold the paper up to the sunlight, or hold a flashlight to the back of the paper to see the letter.
5. Make "shaving cream letters." Spread a layer of shaving cream on a tray and write letters with your finger.
Have fun reading and making those letters! Check back soon for another post on letter recognition.
1. Read ABC books. There are lots of these books out there, with many different themes. See the list of alphabet books here on my blog for some specific titles. If you're going to purchase any of these through Amazon, be sure to click the "Amazon School Rewards Program" button and Edna Maguire will receive up to 10% of your purchase total.
2. Make the letters out of clay, play dough or pipe cleaners.
3. Paint the letters with finger paint.
4. Make "light letters" using construction paper and a toothpick. Write a letter on a piece of construction paper. Place the paper on a rug and have your child use a toothpick or thumbtack to punch holes along the lines of the letters. Hold the paper up to the sunlight, or hold a flashlight to the back of the paper to see the letter.
5. Make "shaving cream letters." Spread a layer of shaving cream on a tray and write letters with your finger.
Have fun reading and making those letters! Check back soon for another post on letter recognition.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Read, Read and Read Some More
What's the single most important way you can support your child's literacy development? Reading, reading and reading some more. Really, I can't say it enough. Reading aloud to your child will go a long ways towards growing those literacy skills. Reading aloud allows your child to see you as a reading role model. It promotes language development, builds listening skills, increases attention span, and fosters curiosity and imagination. It is a simple and enjoyable way to spend time together. It can be a wonderful bonding experience, and it's just plain fun!
Wondering what to read? For kindergarteners, I suggest enticing picture books and shorter chapter books. For specific titles, check with the children's librarian at the Mill Valley Library or our own incredible teacher-librarian, Lisa Monge. Or spend some time browsing at the library or bookstore. What looks interesting to your child?
Wondering when to read? Anytime! There is no right or wrong time. Do it whenever it fits into your schedule, but do it everyday. Lots of parents read to their kids at bedtime. But if bedtime doesn't work in your household, try another time. Would morning or after school work better for you?
Now, go grab a book and read, read, read!
Wondering what to read? For kindergarteners, I suggest enticing picture books and shorter chapter books. For specific titles, check with the children's librarian at the Mill Valley Library or our own incredible teacher-librarian, Lisa Monge. Or spend some time browsing at the library or bookstore. What looks interesting to your child?
Wondering when to read? Anytime! There is no right or wrong time. Do it whenever it fits into your schedule, but do it everyday. Lots of parents read to their kids at bedtime. But if bedtime doesn't work in your household, try another time. Would morning or after school work better for you?
Now, go grab a book and read, read, read!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Welcome
Welcome to my blog -- I'm so glad you stopped by! I work with kindergartners, providing support in the areas of reading and math. Parents often ask me what they can be doing at home to support their child's learning. So I thought I would gather all of my ideas in one easily accessible place -- this blog. I'll be posting ideas often, so check back soon.
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