Numbers & Shapes

Activity 1: 1, 2, 3

Attention: open in a new window.

Math concepts are used in all areas of learning. The ability to count aloud (rote counting) is different from counting objects. As young children learn to connect a number with the quantity they count, they prepare to add and subtract with meaning.

Activity 2: Everybody Counts

Attention: open in a new window.

Children learn that there is a relationship between a number name and a quantity as they use math in their everyday lives. As children learn that nearly everything they do involves math, they may gain more confidence in their own ability to use it.

Activity 3: Where Does It Go?

Attention: open in a new window.

Children learn to look closely at objects and learn the vocabulary to describe them. They use their senses to explore the characteristics or attributes of objects and sort objects into groups based on similarities or differences and to describe the reason for sorting. As children learn to describe their own sorting decisions, they realize that there are many right ways to solve a problem.

Activity 4: The Shape of Things

Attention: open in a new window.

Often, we begin teaching children about shapes by teaching them the shape name, but they need hands-on experiences with solid shapes (balls, boxes, bottles, cans, party hats) to learn about their physical characteristics. By using materials to build shapes, children learn about these characteristics.

Activity 5: What's the Pattern?

Attention: open in a new window.

Patterns are made up of sequences of colors, movements, objects, shapes, sizes, or sounds. Patterns are part of children’s everyday life and can be found in furniture, clothing, decorations, and artwork. They also are part of your child’s morning, evening and playtime routines.