Welcome to the Early Math Games Series where I’ll be sharing easy and fun math games to develop and support early numeracy skills.

 
Our last early math game, counting with egg cartons, focused on counting and developing a one-to-one correspondence. Children learn best when presented with a variety of games that reinforce the same mathematical concept. Today we will continue with another math game that focuses on counting and numeral identification.

 
This math game, Mummy and Baby Dinosaurs is a simpler version of our numerals card and dice game. This mummy and baby dinosaurs game is suitable for children who are unable to identify and name all numerals 1-10. This early math game is great for pairs of children or individuals. To support effective peer tutoring, pair a child with a child who is more confident with counting and numeral identification.

Math Game: {Numeral Identification & Counting} Dinosaurs

 
Focus: Math Number, Numeral Identification & Counting

 
Desired Results:

• (A) Name and identify numerals 1-10;
• (B) Use the corresponding numeral for a set of objects.

Pre-Test:

• (A) Display a set of numeral cards from 0 to 10, in random order. Ask the child to point to a given numeral. Can the child identify any or all the numerals from 0 to 10?
• (B) Display a set of numeral cards from 0 to 10, in random order. Provide a collection of counters (about 20). Point to various numerals and ask the child to make a pile of this many counters. Does the child make the correct collection of counters to match each numeral?

 
Evidence of Learning: Display a set of numeral cards from 0 to 10, in random order. Provide a collection of counters (about 20). Point to various numerals and ask the child to make a pile of this many counters. The child counts with a one word, one counter match. The child has a concept of the number of items in a collection. The child makes the correct collection of counters to match each numeral.

 
When working with young children, remember to:

• Show them how to do the task before expecting them to complete the task independently.
• Limit the range of numbers being presented when introducing a new mathematical idea.
• Provide children with a variety of early math games, which repeat the same mathematical understanding (e.g. counting, numeral identification, subitising, etc). To support this, there are variety of counting games, numeral identification games, subitising games, etc. as part of this  Early Math Games series.

 
Teaching & Learning Experiences:

 
Print out our free printables Early Math Games: Numeral Identification & Counting with Mummy and Baby Dinosaurs. One set of cards shows Mummy Dinosaurs with a numeral in the range 1 to 10. The other set of cards shows a collection of Baby Dinosaurs in the range 1 to 10.

• Model the activity. Select a baby dinosaur card. Count the baby dinosaurs and match the card to a corresponding mummy dinosaur card. Continue until all cards have been matched.
• Let the child select a baby dinosaur card. Count the baby dinosaurs and match the card to a corresponding mummy dinosaur card. Continue until all cards have been matched.
• {Formative assessment}: Can the child count with a one word, one dinosaur match?
• {Formative assessment}: Can the child identify any or all the numerals from 0 to 10?

 
Extension Activities:

• Extension activity one: Place either the mummy dinosaur cards or the baby dinosaur cards in ascending numerical order, resembling a number line. The early introduction of the number line establishes a good framework for understanding number in all its’ various forms; (natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, real numbers). 

Don’t miss our next Math Game: Teen Bingo, or browse through our many math games.

More Activities for Preschoolers

Three to Five: Playful Preschool is stuffed to the brim with tried, tested and loved playful learning ideas for preschoolers. There are 25+ ideas for preschoolers, ten printable resources and additional links to over 50 more activities. A great resource for parents. Download your copy here.