Something is happening
that never happens here…
IT IS RAINING ALL WEEK
IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!
I actually am very happy about this,
because our community needs some
rain to pour over our mountains and hills
after the recent wildfire that had us
evacuated for weeks.
BUT I am also trying to not get stir crazy inside.
So it got me thinking, lets think of new ways to
PLAY + LEARN
My daughter, Tenley (28 months)
knows how to count numerically,
but does not understand
the full concept.
For example, she doesn’t know
that 2 means quantity of 2, but she
knows that 2 is after 1, and 3 is after 2.
So I looked for some inspiration on
Pinterest and Instagram
(Surprisingly, you can find lots of inspiration
from Instagram through hashtags! My favorites
are #montessoriathome #playbasedlearning)
This activity was inspired by @beansplaybox.
Specifically, her “A-Z Animal Alphabet Match”
I am using numbers, instead of the alphabet (for now.)
Start with your first colored paper.
You can choose any one color.
I chose orange to represent #1.
Place your first colored paper in the printer
and print out #1 with the heart attached.
S T E P • T W O
After you print, time to cut!
I placed mine in a cutting machine (like a Cricut)
REPEAT these steps for the rest of the colored paper and numbers.
You will be printing each number twice
(big version and small* version) ↡ ↡ See below. ↡ ↡
*NOTE: save the bottom portion of the small version of the numbers.
You will be using the bottom portion to make the
tubes that will go on the wall.
S T E P • T H R E E
Once you cut all the versions (big and small)
of the numbers and hearts,
put the big versions aside.
The big version will be placed on the wall.
Save the small version sheet, as you will be using
the bottom portion to make the tubes later.
Let’s focus on the small version of the numbers and hearts.
We will be putting these on mini white cardstock cards.
S T E P • F O U R
Time to cut the white card stock into small squares.
I cut mine at about 5″ x 5″
Once you have cut your squares,
glue your small numbers and hearts.
Each number/color gets a card.
S T E P • F I V E
Time to choose your “stick” of choice.
You can choose a wooden dowel, chopsticks, colored pencils, etc.
It just needs to hold up your mini card stock with numbers.
I chose colored pencils to be extra
color coordinating!
You will be using tape to tape your stick behind the card.
S T E P • S I X
Time to make the colored tubes!
Cut the bottom portion of the small version numbers/hearts.
S T E P • S E V E N
Take the bottom portion
and make a tube cylinder shape.
You will be doing this for all the colors.
Staple the ends. I used two staples on each end.
4 staples per tube.
When you are done stapling each tube,
Don’t worry about the flap.
This flap will actually help you tape the tube to the wall.
S T E P • E I G H T
It is time to tape the
large numbers and hearts on the wall!
Place your tape on the flap and behind the tube.
Then place it on your wall, next to the corresponding number.
Ta-da!
You have now made counting and learning numbers fun for your kid!
