Spring Hands-On Counting Activities for toddlers and preschoolers to learn number formation and numeral to quantity association.
Spring and Easter are in the air, and themed activities add a fun twist to the otherwise mundane numbers learning. By offering new and /or different manipulatives, you can turn an old activity into a new one! Besides, although little people love repetition, they yearn for novelty even more! You will be amazed to see a spark in their eyes by simply adding some new stickers or counters! Spring hands-on counting activities are a fun way to explore numeral to quantity association, learn proper number formation and one-to-one correspondence.
In an early Montessori math curriculum, a numeral (which is an abstract representation of a quantity) is always accompanied by an actual quantity so that the child can learn to associate the abstract concept of number “4” with a quantity it represents, for example of four eggs.
To solidify the concept, Adrian is also using traditional Montessori Sandpaper Numbers, which add a tactile dimension to the activity. As a child traces the number, s/he is indirectly preparing the hand for writing. We are also using number mats.
On sandpaper numbers, the silhouette of the number is raised and differentiated with the rough sand-paper, offering a child an opportunity to develop a tactile understanding of the number’s shape.
Adrian loves using 1 2 3 Count with Me Trace-and-Flip Fun! book. By running a finger along large grooved numbers, a child can explore each shape. Colorful lift-the-flaps on every sturdy page further reinforce easy learning. Each board page features a number (1 through 20) which a child can trace with a finger, along with opening flaps to lift and find a surprise with bright illustrations.



Placing stickers, while tracing a number’s shape, promotes fine motor control and it is fun! Here, Adrian is tracing each number template with sparkly dot stickers by following a pattern. (The pattern here is AABB ~ purple-purple-green-green.) A younger child can use a single color sticker or offer to choose a multi-color pattern for older children. Adrian chose a two-color-pattern to match the colors of the eggs.



Here, Adrian is matching the quantity of five eggs to the number 5.



Here, Adrian is ‘pattern tracing’ sandpaper number five with foam Easter eggs (yellow-pink-purple-blue).



Moreover, offer play dough to MAKE numbers, which is an amazing tool to explore and make tactile numbers!
You can use any counters with this activity: bunnies, carrots, birds, flowers, etc. This activity can also be themed almost for any holiday: simply switch eggs for Christmas Trees, or pumpkins, or Valentine’s hearts.
FOR MORE MONTESSORI MATH



Read details about the Montessori Math curriculum read here a post “Montessori Math Simple ➕ Addition” which gives a summary of What is Montessori Math?
FOR EASTER ACTIVITIES



For Easter inspired activities, see HERE an entire roundup.
Latest from the Blog
Color-Changing Flowers Capillary Action
Color-Changing Flowers staining Capillary Action kids science Experiment with Dyed Water and Carnations to show how the plant pulls the water through the stem up to the flower, while defying gravity.
Monthly Kids Activities Plan
Subscribe now to the Monthly Kids Activities Plan and get your hands on our exclusive activity calendar, filled with exciting things to do every day, and let the savings begin!
Color-Mixing Fizzy Science Experiment
Fizzy science experiment is a fun STEM activity for kids to promote fine motor skills, learn about color mixing and engage the senses while fueling their curiosity!
eBOOK | THE BASICS Bringing Montessori Home
“Our work is not to teach, but to HELP the absorbent mind in its work of development. How marvelous it would be if by our help, if by an intelligent treatment of the child, if by understanding the needs of his physical life and by feeding his intellect, we could prolong the period of functioning of the absorbent mind!”



Montessori MADE EASY MEMBERSHIP
Also, in case you are exhausted from swimming in the vast ocean of irrelevant information and saving activities you never get to! JOIN Montessori MADE-EASY membership! And if you do, the eBook THE BASICS is included in the membership amongst MANY other perks!



I am here to help! WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER!



No Comments