Early Numeracy refers to the basic math skills your child will learn in the early elementary grades. These skills are so important because they help to build the foundation for later math learning.
Here are some ideas to help your Kindie or First Grader practice their Early Numeracy Skills and Numbers:
Count Verbally: Have your kiddo count out loud with you. Don’t always start from 1; change up the starting number. Count both forward and backward.
Number Identification: Write numbers 1 - 20 on post-it notes and place them around the house. Tell your kiddo a number that they then need to go find. In the beginning, do the numbers in order. Once they get comfortable with the numbers in order, have them find numbers out of order. Begin with numbers 1 - 10 and then move on to numbers to 20 and beyond.
Writing Numbers: Have your kiddo practice writing their numbers in fun ways! Have them create their numbers with playdough. They can also “trace” a number with bingo dabbers (dot markers). While it’s nice outside, have students write their numbers in chalk on the driveway. Playing hopscotch can be a fun way to practice counting after they’ve written them.
Count Groups of Objects: Pull out small objects (coins or blocks work well) for your kiddo to count. While they’re counting, have them organize the objects or touch each one that they count to keep it accurate.
Match Numbers to Objects: Give your kiddo some small objects and tell them a number to create with those objects. Once they’ve counted them out, have them write the number that shows how many objects are in the group.