Number Words
We practiced writing our numbers again today in small groups. We then counted out the right number of gumballs to match our number and glued them inside our gumball machine! Tracing numbers aids in our fine motor development and proper pencil grip. It trains our hand to feel comfortable moving in the small movements needed for successful independent writing in the near future! Make sure that if your working with your child at home in writing, that they are using the correct grip. It is easier to train than retrain the brain.
In small groups this afternoon, the kids had the opportunity to play two different math games that focused on number recognition and one-to-one correspondence. We had fun, fun, fun!
We have been learning about the number ten this week. We have learned a new song about the number ten and also how to spell it! We also had the chance to use yummy marshmallows to outline the number ten while working our small motor muscles in our hands and number recognition for number ten.
counting pegs
The children have been practicing their counting with these wonderful counting peg boards. This activity is great for practicing number recognition and one to one correspondence. We also talked about the color of each peg. The kids were using their fine motor skills all morning long as they practiced their counting!
Using a Toothpick to Poke "Stars" into our Number Eight
Number Eight Constellations at the Light Table
Our focus this week is the number 8. The children sat on the floor, placed their paper on the carpet, and used their fine motor muscles to poke holes through the paper along the lines of the number using a toothpick. This is a prewriting activity which allows the preschoolers to begin understanding the skill of writing. We began at the top of the number (just as we would if we were writing the number with a pencil) and worked our way around to “write” the number. When they were done, they took their papers to the light table to see the tiny stars in the shape of their number eight revealed. This is an easy activity to be done at home with letters, names, shapes, or numbers. You can give your child a flashlight and help them project the object on the wall!
We are working on patterns this month in our Preschool Classroom. The kids used the counting bears to create all different kinds of patterns during small groups today. We completed AB, ABB, and AAB patterns by size and color (i.e. large-small-small; yellow-green; red-red-blue). Some of the children caught on very quickly and were creating their own patterns independently before we knew it! Way to go boys and girls! Patterning is fun activity to practice at home, especially in the kitchen. Click on the picture for some ideas…have fun!
ABB Pattern
AB Pattern
AAB Pattern
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