I just uploaded one of our favorite number tools we use in our house to my Resource Library! Subscribers get full access to my monthly printables…for free! You can subscribe here on the homepage to never miss out!
Before you begin, I would recommend laminating them or at least printing on card stock for durability. I also recommend cutting the numbers (sheets) in half so each number has its own “piece of paper”. This isn’t necessary, but it can be a good way to work with numbers individually, too.
We use these big numbers in two different ways:
First, we use them to learn sequencing, order of numbers. We count up to 10 and then back from 10 to 1 (10, 9, 8, 7…usually this way ends with a “blast off!”) #keepitfun! Line the numbers up like a number line as this is how your child will see them in school and how they’ll learn their order.
Next, we use them with our counting bears, pom poms, mini erasers, or Cheerios to count how many each number is, learning the amount of each number. Getting your child to understand the value of the number and what makes it up is a huge part of building a foundation in math skills. There is a placeholder on each number for your child to place whatever object you’re using to count with to help guide them. These placeholders help guide them to see how many they need to fill the spaces for each number. Placing materials on the white dots(placeholders) also allows for a really good visual representation of how many pieces (of pom poms for example) are in number 8 compared to number 2, for example. It is easy to see that 8 has many more pieces than 2 which they can also prove by actually counting them.
While you’re working with your child, remember to add in that conversation piece of what is happening. What are they noticing? When lining the numbers up in sequential order (preparing them for a number line!) what do they notice? Which number has the most pieces? Which number has the least?
Finally, my Little one likes to take the stack of numbers and put them out in order before we start, and then clean them up in the same order…additional practice and less mess for mom? #winning
I’d love to know what you think about this tool and see your Littles practicing their counting game with them! Tag me on IG @kathryn.sloop
