More Number Sense

So here are some more ideas to help kids develop their number sense:

1. Count objects when you are out and about. Count the number of driveways, yellow houses or red cars while you are on a walk. Count the number of stop signs you see on your way to school. The possibilities for counting are endless!

2. Read number books. Be sure to talk about the numbers as you read, and count the objects in the pictures. I've added a new list to this blog with some of my favorite number books -- it's over on the right, just under the list of ABC books.

3. Count items around the house. How many apples are left in the fruit bowl? How many forks do we need to set the table?

You can extend these counting activities by asking additional questions. What if we saw one more stop sign, how many would we have seen then? What if I ate one of the apples, how many would be left? There are lots of things to count out there and lots of questions to ask. Have fun with it!

Number Sense

So we've already talked about recognizing numbers up to 30. Now it's time to talk about number sense. According to Wikipedia, number sense is "an intuitive understanding of numbers, their magnitude, relationships, and how they are affected by operations." Kindergarteners need to understand the value of each number and it's relationship to other numbers. For example, they should know that the symbol 5 stands for exactly 5 items and that 5 is more than 4 but less than 6. The best way to develop good number sense is to play with numbers! Here are some ideas:

1. Play board games that use dice.

2. Play dominoes.

3. Practice counting real objects. Use pennies, buttons, paper clips, whatever you have around the house. Ask your child to count out different sets and then compare the sets. Which has more than this set? Which has less than this set? Which has the most? The least?

4. Make number art. Ask your child to write a number from 1 to 30 and then draw simple pictures to represent their number. For example, write a 5 and then draw 5 stars. You can also do this activity with stamps or stickers.

More Letter and Number Recognition

Today let's revisit the topic of letter and number recognition. I have a few more activities to help children develop these skills. As with any of the letter recognition activities, children can practice both the letter names and sounds as they work.

1. Play with alphabet and number puzzles.

2. Play with alphabet and number stamp sets and stamp pads.


3. Placemats! Use them as actual placemats during mealtimes or as activity mats. Make your own and laminate them or purchase something like these: