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photo credit: Bee Plus

Playing with numbers is just a matter of thinking a bit before doing anything with your child.  Preschool number games can come out of any activity you are doing at the moment.

So, for example, if you are driving down the road you could talk to your son about the red cars you might see.  So tell him, “We are going to count all of the red cars on the way to Grandma’s.”  Or you might pick something else like big trucks.  If Daddy works for a company like UPS or Wal-Mart – count those trucks.

While you are driving, you can point out numbers on speed limit signs.  So now your daughter can hunt for a certain number or numbers.  Ask them to count all of the Exit signs if you are on the freeway.  The ideas are endless, really.

At home, when you are putting toys away, why not count the blocks, 1-2-3 or count the dolls or stuffed animals – same with books or magazines.  Just look for reasons to count all around you.

Since you’re making it a point to doing preschool number games it follows that you are reading to them, too.  So, why not take the opportunity to point out numerals (1, 2, 3, 4,…) and count quantities of things in the stories?  How many chicks are following the hen?  Can you count how many yellow cars are in this picture?

As you can see, inventing preschool number games is only a matter of looking a little deeper into your daily activities as you spend your day with your child.

How do you teach your child?

Create a story with your kids!! This is so much fun!!  Print out the template and let your child create a picture and tell you a story, then help your child write the story.  This is a great Preschool learning activity.  It uses their imagination and drawing skills.  Depending on the level and age of your child you can write the story for them, as they tell you it or if they are a little older and learning to write, you can have them tell you the story and help them spell each word.  It’s excellent practice for their writing skills and they love it!  They are writing about what interests them and will therefore be more motivated.  After writing the stories you can have them read it to you!  This is a great way to give them success in their reading.  Since they wrote it-it is familiar to them and easier for them to start reading it.  My son loves reading his stories to me!!

The one pictured today is by my 3 year old daughter who wanted to “write” most of it herself!!

Don’t forget about We Heart Art sponsored by Three Bay B Chicks, Domestically Challenged and I’m Living proof God has a Sense of humor their Mr. Linky is up!!

Need some inspiration? Try these fun ideas:

• Make a Planter
• Collage
• Make HomeMade Play Dough – Create your own colors and creations.