The Importance of Hands-On Learning for Teaching Toddlers to Count
As parents and caregivers, it's important to provide young children with the tools they need to learn and grow. One of the most fundamental skills children will learn is counting. However, teaching counting to toddlers can be a challenge. Thankfully, there are many hands-on tools and resources available that can make this process more engaging and effective for young learners.
One of the most effective ways to teach counting to toddlers is through play. Play-doh, toys, and other hands-on materials can be used to help children understand the concepts of numbers and counting. For example, using play-doh to create the numbers 1-10, and then having the child count the number of play-doh balls, can be a fun and interactive way for children to learn about numbers and counting.
Another great tool for teaching counting to toddlers is foam numbers. These soft and tactile numbers can be used in a variety of ways, such as having the child match the number to the corresponding number of objects, or having the child arrange the numbers in order.
Number mats are also a great tool for teaching counting to toddlers. These mats often feature numbers and corresponding images, which can help children make connections between the numbers and the objects they represent. For example, a number mat with the number 1 and a picture of a apple, number 2 and a picture of two apple.
One of the most effective and versatile tools for teaching counting to toddlers is a numbers placemat. This type of placemat is specifically designed to help children learn and practice counting. It usually feature numbers and corresponding images, and can be used in a variety of ways such as counting the number of objects, matching numbers to the corresponding number of objects, and more.
In conclusion, teaching counting to toddlers can be a fun and engaging experience when using the right tools and resources. Hands-on materials like play-doh, foam numbers, number mats, and numbers placemat can make the learning process more interactive and effective for young learners. As parents and caregivers, it's important to invest in these types of resources to give children the best possible start in their educational journey.
You can order our Numbers Placemat on our website and give your child a fun and interactive way to learn numbers and counting.
Learning Numbers & Counting Sample Week-long Lesson Plan
Day 1: Introduction to numbers
Introduce numbers 1-5 to the class using number flashcards and counting objects (such as blocks or counting bears)
Have the students practice counting aloud with the class
Play number matching games (such as matching the number flashcard to the corresponding number of objects)
Day 2: Counting up to 10
Introduce numbers 6-10 to the class
Have the students practice counting up to 10 with the class
Play counting games, such as "I Spy" with numbers or counting how many of a certain object are in the room
Day 3: One-to-one correspondence
Introduce the concept of one-to-one correspondence (matching each object to one number)
Have the students practice counting objects and matching them to the corresponding number
Play games such as "Feed the Monster" where the students take turns counting out the correct number of objects to feed to a stuffed monster
Day 4: Number recognition
Review numbers 1-10 with the class
Have the students practice recognizing numbers in different forms (such as written numerals, number flashcards, and counting objects)
Play number matching games, such as matching written numerals to the corresponding number of objects
Day 5: Counting beyond 10
Introduce the concept of counting beyond 10
Have the students practice counting up to 20 with the class
Play counting games, such as counting how many steps it takes to get from one side of the room to the other
Day 6: Review and assessment
Review all concepts covered throughout the week
Have the students complete a worksheet or assessment to test their understanding of numbers and counting
Play a game such as "Number Scavenger Hunt" where the students search for numbers around the room and write them down
Day 7: Final project
Have the students create a number book, where they can practice writing numbers, counting objects, and illustrating the corresponding number of items.
Note: For each day, it is important to include opportunities for students to work with numbers and counting in both whole group and small group settings, as well as through hands-on activities and games.