Toddler Number Sense Activity

Did you know littles love to learn through play and providing them with the right tools you will see them bloom. Todays activity is all about number recognition and matching value with number. Toddlers as young at 12 months are able to recognize numbers and they are usually exposed to them through numbers written on blocks, toys and items in your play invitation set-ups. By the time they reach 3 they are capable to write them on their own. However, all children develop differently and at their own pace, but exposing them to number play is something I recommend to families all the time. Have more questions about development? Feel free to send me a direct message on instagram. I am always here to help and support your child's development. 

To celebrate number play and this beautiful summer season we are heading into, I have created a fun digital FREEBIE for you and your toddlers at home. All you have to do is download, print, laminate or use contact paper to laminate at home and cut around each sun (figure 1) and then cut down the middle of each sun (figure 1) as well. This is create a fun matching game for your littles to explore. 

HINT: I would leave the sun as a whole for beginner number learners and as they learn how to recognize their numbers, you can cut down the sun and create a puzzle matching game. This will challenge them cognitively at a different level. 

Figure 1

Those that have continuously asked me what can I do to set up for my 12 + month old at home to teach them their numbers. Below I have created a simple two step play invitation idea.

How to set up a fun number play invitation for your toddler:

1. Use a tray or open bin and add a base (i.e., water, jello-cubes, chia slime, etc.)
2. Add in a few colourful number blocks, Munchkin.inc foam numbers, or large plastic cups with numbers 
3. Present the sensory fun to your toddler and make sure you have your eyes on your littles. 

NOTE: If you are using homemade jello-cubes make sure you add extra water to the recipe to make them extremely easy to break as they play. This also will be useful as they place the jello in their mouth, it will be super easy to chew for those early chewers. You can also use sugar free jello to limit the amount of jello that goes into their mouths. 

Happy Learning friends! 

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