I am taking a large step back, away from computing numbers and want to talk about the most basic form of math, that I can think of-- Counting and Number Recognition. I wanted to focus on this because it is the first thing that students learn about math in school and the core to their understanding. I am teaching in a pre-kindergarten classroom right now, and learning how to count, recognize numbers, and write numbers are our math goals for the end of the year. I wanted to post some great worksheets, games and videos that we use in our classroom because they are a super fun way to practice!
Math Freeze Dance-
First up- the kids in our class love to play counting freeze dance. This is when I play a song for the kids to dance to, then when I pause the song, I say a number which the kids have to count in unison to. At the beginning of the year, counting in unison was very hard, but the kids have gotten a lot better! This game is great because they can get some energy out while having fun and practicing counting. A song that they love and that is math related is The Ants Go Marching.
Count and Tap-
This game is very simple but also helps the kids practice counting while having a competitive spirit. The students will sit in a circle and the teacher will walk around tapping the kids head. The goal is to get to a certain number- we started easy and now can go all the way to 100. The teacher taps on each boys head and the boy she taps on has to say the consecutive number going all the way to the goal number. If a boy calls out, or if they say the wrong number we restart. This helps the boys practice waiting their turn as well.
Two worksheets that we always have in the classroom coloring area are Number Dot-to-Dots and color by number. I have included two of the worksheets below.
A great video that we play in class is the Big Numbers Song it is a relaxing song that the kids love to listen to and count along. They get very excited when the numbers get REALLY big!
Math Freeze Dance-
First up- the kids in our class love to play counting freeze dance. This is when I play a song for the kids to dance to, then when I pause the song, I say a number which the kids have to count in unison to. At the beginning of the year, counting in unison was very hard, but the kids have gotten a lot better! This game is great because they can get some energy out while having fun and practicing counting. A song that they love and that is math related is The Ants Go Marching.
Count and Tap-
This game is very simple but also helps the kids practice counting while having a competitive spirit. The students will sit in a circle and the teacher will walk around tapping the kids head. The goal is to get to a certain number- we started easy and now can go all the way to 100. The teacher taps on each boys head and the boy she taps on has to say the consecutive number going all the way to the goal number. If a boy calls out, or if they say the wrong number we restart. This helps the boys practice waiting their turn as well.
Two worksheets that we always have in the classroom coloring area are Number Dot-to-Dots and color by number. I have included two of the worksheets below.
A great video that we play in class is the Big Numbers Song it is a relaxing song that the kids love to listen to and count along. They get very excited when the numbers get REALLY big!
Happy Learning!!
Freddi, I love the idea of using the math freeze dance to practice counting. Most students love dancing and having an opportunity to move during the school day, I can see this being a favorite activity that they look forward to. I also liked the count and tap game and how it had multiple aspects of learning to it, taking turns, counting to 100 and how long it takes to count to 100. Having a really good start to learning about math at its most basic level is so important. If they have fun doing math activities like yours, they will be instilled that math is something fun and that they enjoy.
ReplyDeleteFreddie, i like this post. For a number of reason. But firstly aside from the fact that it is fun, you are talking about something that we so often forget. Math starts by basic number recognition. Our students will never be able to be successful mathematicians if we have not made them comfortable with the idea of numbers. I love counting freeze dance! What a great way for the children to have fun and learn. Color/paint by number, and connect the dots (even as an adult lol) have always been some of my things to do! I like that we can incorporate these items into our classrooms and help our students have fun AND be successful!
ReplyDeleteHi Freddie!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a creative post- I love the different games you suggested to help students practice this skill! Counting and number recognition are the most basic math skills for students and mastering them can help students for years to come. Since these skills are taught at a really early age, finding a fun way to practice is so important. I know my little ones love games, especially ones related to math and the game aspect keeps them engaged and excited to learn. These suggestions are awesome and I can't wait to try them.
Nice job!
Danielle