DIY Hearts tactile numbers puzzle-boards cards and counters are a perfect Valentine’s inspires math activity for toddlers and preschoolers to promote rational counting and one-to-one correspondence.
Hearts Tactile Numbers Puzzle-Boards are very easy to make with just cardboard and pom poms. Most importantly, this Valentine’s inspired DIY is a fun and innovative way to promote tactile senses, problem-solving skills, and rational counting in toddlers and preschoolers. So, grab your box and a craft knife, and let’s get started!
Why Should We Teach Real Concepts before Abstract to Children?
We should teach children real concepts like quantity before the abstraction of numerals since young children’s brains might not yet be neurologically ready to comprehend the symbolic representation in the form of a number.
Dr. Maria Montessori observed that children learn early mathematical concepts through hands-on manipulation, such as matching, touching, transferring, and manipulating. Through such learning by doing, they master counting, recognize quantities, and learn to sequence.
That’s why many of Montessori’s mathematical works start in the sensorial area. A child is familiarized with real quantity way before any numeration is introduced. Here, we will explain mathematical concepts through a sensorial exploration of a visual and tactile sense.
What the hand does, the mind remembers.
Dr Maria Montessori
Freebie Kindergarten Valentine’s Day Printable Pack
What you will need to make Hearts Tactile Numbers Puzzle-Boards
Here is the list of supplies you will need to make these tactile boards:
- cardboard
- a craft knife
- a hot glue gun
- pom poms
*If you are making numbers beyond five, use smaller pom poms.
Video Tutorial How to Make Hearts Tactile Numbers Puzzle-Boards
How to Make Hearts Tactile Numbers Puzzle-Boards
First, cut the cardboard into heart shapes.
Then, cut each heart into halves (each heart has a unique cutting pattern).
After that, write a numeral on one half and hot glue the corresponding quantity of pom poms to the other.
Finally, offer your child the opportunity to solve the puzzle!
How to Teach Odd and Even
You can also use these tactile boards to introduce the concept of odd and even. Make sure to position pom poms in pairs so that it is visually obvious to a child when a number is odd, that is, when a pom pom does not have a pair.
What is Rational Counting?
Rational counting is when a child moves beyond rote counting and can count rationally – by assigning only one number to each object as they count in succession. Children are able to match the number names to individual items to determine how many are in the set. This approach is especially useful in the early stages of numeracy assimilation.
When a child masters rational counting, they learn to count objects reliably, only once and one at a time, and assign a total value to a group of items counted, that is, to assign a cardinal number when asked: “How many?” or “How many objects are there in total?”
What is an Example of Rational Counting?
An example of rational counting is asking a child to count how many candies are left in a jar.
What is One-To-One Correspondence?
One to One Correspondence, a precursor to rational counting, is the counting and quantity principle, where a child learns that they can count each object in a group once and only once.
How to Teach One-to-One Correspondence?
To teach children one-to-one correspondence, invite them to touch, tag, mark, or move each item being counted while saying each number aloud.
One-to-one correspondence is a hands-on learning technique that teaches children to count groups of objects. Children learn to assign just one number to each object rather than counting some twice or missing others altogether.
What is an Example of One-to-One Correspondence?
An example of one-to-one correspondence is asking a child to count apples by picking them from the basket one by one.
To make sure that a child counts each object once and one at a time, we encourage a child to touch each object as they count them aloud, or you can invite a child to mark or cross that object (if written on paper), or move the object out of the way after counting it aloud in a group.
What is the Difference between Rote and Rational counting?
The difference between rote and rational counting is that the former is a process of sequentially memorizing number names and reciting numbers in order as a list, while the latter is the process of understanding the quantitative value of numbers.
What is Rote Counting?
Rote counting is the ability to recite number names verbatim in sequential order from memory. With rote counting, children are not “counting” objects but rather simply saying numbers in the correct sequence. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10, 15, 20, 25, 30.
With rote counting, a child lists the numbers rather than counting them because they memorized the number names in sequence. Young children often learn “rote counting” (memorizing through sheer repetition) without having an understanding of one-to-one correspondence or rational counting. For example, they learn to count till then, just like a heart-learned poem.
A child who rote counts may not necessarily be able to count each object once or may count the same object a few times. Or, if you ask them to show you a number that is not in sequential numerical order, they might not be able to do so. That is, they memorize the list but have little understanding of quantity.
Make DIY Hearts Tactile Numbers Puzzle Math Boards
Creating DIY Hearts Tactile Numbers Puzzle Math Boards is a fun and effective way to engage toddlers and early learners in hands-on math activities. While making these tactile number boards, you can incorporate different textures like felt, sandpaper, or pipe cleaners, turning abstract numerals into something real and touchable. This tactile element enhances number recognition, making it an ideal tool for Montessori math and kindergarten learning activities. It’s also a perfect tool for fine motor skills development, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive growth, especially for children with special needs or those who thrive on sensory experiences.
Incorporating these tactile sensory panels into your child’s routine fosters action-based learning, where kids interact directly with numbers through textures and shapes. The puzzle aspect encourages problem-solving, while the hearts add a playful and visually appealing touch, perfect for early years learning. By engaging multiple senses, this activity supports cognitive development and builds foundational math skills in a creative and enjoyable way. Whether at home or in a classroom, these DIY boards are an excellent way to make math meaningful, engaging, and memorable!
Have you tried making tactile number boards? Leave a comment if you did!
Valentine’s Montessori Kids Activities
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For More Valentine’s Activities
See here DIY Valentine’s I-Love-You From The Button of My Heart Card.
Heart Card
For More Valentine’s Day Crafts
A must-try, Watercolor Hearts Valentine’s Craft| Three Easy Painting Techniques is here.
Check out here the ‘Love is for EverGreen’ Valentine Kids Craft using nature punched-out heart leaves.
For details on the Handprint Hearts 3D Tree Valentine Kids Craft, click here.
Click here for details on the Growing Heart-Shaped Crystals Valentine’s Day Kids Science Experiment.
I hope you enjoyed Hearts Tactile Numbers Puzzle-Boards! Let me know in the comments below!
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