Learning to recognise numerals correctly may take longer than most of us think. Providing children with playful, quick numeral games, makes their learning process easier. 

You’ll need to find an app which generates random numbers. A quick search, and I found plenty of free random number generator apps, which did the job. Look for ones where you can limit the range of the random numbers.

You’ll also need some counters or other small objects for counting, and some small containers for children to place their counters all small objects in (we used cupcake liners).

The game is very straight forward. Take turns using the app to generate a random number; say your given number; then place the corresponding number of counters into your cupcake liner. The person with the most number of counters after a given time wins the game.

Extension Activity: Kids need to be familiar with the forward and backward number sequence, and be able to count from any given number. Challenge kids to say the number before or after the random number generated.

After more hands on, playful ways to learn math? Browse through our many early 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.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment; I’d love to hear from you. If you are new here, you might like to receive updates direct to your email. We have many fun ideas to share.

The post Preschool Math: Quick Random Numeral Game by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.

I’m all for reading real books for real purposes. I also believe that learning to read is not a “natural” process; children need to be explicitly taught the various sounds and the symbols that represent them. So, I’m that sort of teacher that will surround kids with books and print, but I will also have my basal readers and fluency tests nearby.

The most important skill in early reading is the ability to read single words completely, accurately, and fluently. Phonics helps kids read single words out of context by giving them the tools to sound words out, which helps them read and comprehend text. Phonics is not the only skill they need to master in order to read, but it is one of the skills.

This Printable CVC Stamp It Game is a simple way to introduce CVC (Consonant Vowel Consonant) words to beginning readers.

To Play:

Print off the two game sheets. I have included the ‘at’ game sheets that we have used, and also blank versions of the game sheets for other cvc words (e.g. ‘en'; ‘ug'; ‘ot'; ‘ig’ and ‘ox’ cvc words).

CVC at words via Lessons Learnt Journal	CVC at words beginning sounds via Lessons Learnt Journal
Phonics Play Printable CVC Stamp It Game Template via Lessons Learnt Journal	Phonics Play Printable CVC Stamp It Game Beginning Sounds via Lessons Learnt Journal

Following the arrows and working your way along the path, stamp different first consonants to each CVC word box on the Printable CVC Stamp It Game sheet. We used these Ready2Learn Alphabet/Numbers Combo Set – CE6818 stamps. They are great for N and M who are also keen to learn how to write their letters. Practicing the shapes of letters helps them associate how each letter looks, which is a necessary part to learning how each sounds.

Practice blending each CVC word as you go along the path, and when the path is finished, celebrate with a stamp or sticker.

Here are some variations to the game:

• Before giving the game to the child, write the first consonants with white crayon or using a candle, and have them paint over it with watercolour to reveal the cvc word.
• Instead of stamping the first consonant, simply write it in.
• Use stickers with different letters to fill in the first consonants. 
• Cut out each single consonants on the game sheet with all the single consonants, and use those letters on the stamp it game sheet.
• For extra practice, every time you make a new cvc word, say the new word, then start at the beginning of the path and re-read all the cvc words leading up to the new word.

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.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment; I’d love to hear from you. If you are new here, you might like to receive updates direct to your email. We have many fun ideas to share.

The post Phonics Play: Printable CVC Stamp It Game by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.

 
My kitchen assistant, an old baby bath tub filled with rice does well most days. The kids can be easily entertained for a substantial amount of time while I get meals together. Sometimes though, the old baby bath tub filled with rice just doesn’t cut it. It doesn’t interest the kids one bit. (I know… the nerve!)

 
I embrace the thought that a little change is as good as a holiday and let the kids play an incredibly simple water game called waterfall.

Water Game: Waterfall

Before I give you the particulars of this game, some notes of warning. You can take this game outside, or if you don’t mind playing it inside, you may get water over your bench or floor. Water play is a great kitchen activity and my kids enjoy playing this water game in our kitchen. Also, a safety note regarding the small small items (coins) used in this game. These small items may constitute a choking risk for small children and require close adult supervision.

Whenever we pass by any pond, fountain or well, there are always coins to be found in the water. This water game is a mini version of our fascination with putting coins into water.

You’ll need: coins; a small container (like a cup or bowl); water. If you’re playing this game on your kitchen bench like us, use a large baking tray to contain the water overflow. This makes cleaning up much easier.

Fill the small container almost to the brim with water. Give each child a good supply of coins. Take turns dropping a coin into the small container. (You could even make a wish with each coin drop). The game ends when someone drops in the coin that makes the water overflow.

Simple and fun to the core: my kind of play!

E: 2 years, 4 months
October 2012

The post Water Game: Waterfall by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.

Inspired by a preschool visit where they take learning outdoors, I pick up our blue sheet, a stack of numeral cards and a die. In between their scooter and running races, we sat and played a quick maths numeral card game.

Maths: Numerals Card Game

This game helps children work towards:

• Naming and identifying numerals. These skills are required so that we can record our maths.
• Using the correct corresponding numeral for a given set of objects.

Materials:

• A die
• A set of numeral cards. Here’s a free printable of the set we used.

How to Play:

Place the numeral cards face up on the ground. Take turns to roll the die and pick up the corresponding numeral card. If the card has already been taken, the child forfeits a turn. Play until all the cards have been taken.

You can play as a team with the goal of picking up all the cards. Or you could have a competition to see who can pick up the most cards.

Identifying vs. Naming a Numeral

When children are just beginning to identify and name some numerals, it is important to consider that identifying a numeral and naming a numeral are different skills.

An example of identifying a numeral: A child is asked to point to a card with the number ‘two’ on it. He/she points to a card with the numeral ‘two’ on it.

An example of naming a numeral:  A child is able to say the number word ‘two’ when presented with a numeral card with the numeral ‘two’ on it.

Some children may be able to identify numerals, but find it difficult to name a numeral. As such, it is important to ensure children are given opportunities to practise both identifying and naming numerals.

Scooter races, running races, and sneaking in a few quick rounds of our maths numerals card game. I think I’ve found an new, productive and enjoyable Spring time afternoon format.

Does your child need more practise with their numerals? Here are some more maths games that work with numerals.
Dice Bingo – Subitising
Button Paperclip Number Cards
Counting: Handful of Buttons

(I originally published a version of this post on KidsActivitiesBlog.com).

N & M: 4 years, 3 months
September 2012

The post Maths: Does Your Child Know Their Numerals? by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.