Counting common objects

In our classroom, we thought it would be a good idea to use toys and resources that were commonly utilized by the children, to present our counting activities. We surmised it would encourage counting and number recognition outside of formal circle times. The results were very positive and we did see children independantly repeating the exercises as they had experienced during formal presentations.

In this activity the children are presented with a card that has a number on it. The child tells the teacher what that number is, and then selects that number of blocks to build a tower.

Once the tower is built the teacher will assist in counting the number of blocks out loud, so the class can follow along.

As a result, we now observe the children building towers and counting the blocks during independant play times!

In this activity we use the numbers from a puzzle and the Little People from the play sets.

We started out by placing the numbers and Little People out ourselves and then asked the children to go over and identify the group that has a selected amount in it.

Once that was accomplished the children then layed them out on their own.

Again the result was independant counting practice during informal class time.

With a Little help from our friends!

In a toddler classroom you can expect some tears, but if we have developed supportive and trusting friendships, the tears shouldn’t last too long.

We all need those little moments of alone time - to deal with our emotions. This little fellow decided he needed to time himself out, so he got out a cushion and lay down to have a break.

Moments later one of his classroom friends decided to join him in his moment of sorrow!

Soon all his friends decided he should not be in this alone, and joined the pity party!

The conclusion to this episode was giggles and laughter - everyone including the first little boy forgot what brought them to the cushion in the first place.  J



Who wears those shoes?

This is a little game I came up with in my spare time  - lol!

On one side of the card is a picture of a pair of shoes - on the other side is the person or animal who may wear the shoes. The cards are placed out shoe side up - the children look at the shoes and then decide who may be the person/animal wearing those shoes.

To get the answer flip the card over!

Again, I simply searched the web for the pictures to use!

Zoo Animal Fun!

Kids love animals - especially baby animals!

I searched the web for pictures of adult animals and their babies 

Printed the adults out 8.5"x11" and the babies 4"x3" - Laminated

Place the adult pictures out on the floor. There are about 16 in all.

Then give each child a picture of a baby. Ask them to match the babies with the adults.

Simple and fun for toddlers! I have done this with JK/SK and they liked the activity as well.

 Some of our favorite baby pictures turned into lacing cards.

Pictures printed - laminated and cut out - large mens shoelace used because they are longer.

OK this is my favorite baby animal for sure! :)

I turned it into a puzzle!

Album: Bulletin Boards | izzyshare

Album: Bulletin Boards izzyshare
A great place to get bulletin board ideas! I'll be sharing more of my own next month! :)

Counting spots

These ladybugs were purchased at the dollar store - unpainted - I painted them each with a different number of spots and then put the answer on the back. So for a dollar and some paint - which I had on hand - a new counting activity was born!

Colour matching

This colour matching activity was done by one of my classroom assistants.She found the dolls at a dollar store in the craft section - she drew the train and glued on coloured paper to match the dolls - we got the paper laminated and put velcro on the dolls and train picture. The children appeared to enjoy this activity very much!