Numbers

Number Books

Using Music to Teach Number Recognition


We routinely use songs to help reinforce number identification. I have used HeidiSongs Jumpin’ Numbers vol. 1 and 2 DVD’s with great success in my classroom. These DVD’s are so effective because they use a multi-sensory approach which adds a visual and movement to each number song so the students see the number, sing the song, and move all at the same time. These things combined provide a more meaningful experience that promotes retention of the number(s) being taught.

Number Books

In the classroom library we have a book box containing number books.

Number Activities

Sandpaper Number Rubbings
Materials: sandpaper, glue, die-cut machine, heavy cardstock, regular paper, crayons
Buy inexpensive sandpaper at the Dollar Store and cut numerals on it with the die-cut machine. If you don’t have access to a die-cut machine you can trace the numerals on the sandpaper and cut out with scissors. Next, glue the numerals to heavy cardstock paper. I keep a set of these numbers in my math center and the children cover the numbers with paper and make number rubbings using the side of a peeled crayon. They also love to just trace the numbers with their fingers, it’s great for tactile learners.

Playdough Number Mats
Materials: paper, computer printer, playdough
Print out the large numerals 0-10 on your printer and laminate. Put these “playdough mats” in your playdough center and show your students how to roll out snakes and place them on the mats to make numbers. This is great for both number recognition and fine motor skills. You can find printable number mats HERE

Glue Numbers
Materials: index cards, white liquid glue, food coloring, Sharpie markerWrite the numbers 0-10 on index cards using the Sharpie marker. Make one set of cards for each student. It’s important to use a permanent marker when writing the numbers because when you put glue on top of a regular Crayola marker the ink will run. Next, color several bottles of white, liquid glue with food coloring. If you’ve never done this before it’s very easy; just place a few drops of food coloring in the top of the bottle and stir with a popsicle stick, then let it sit for a few hours to let the colors mix. Next, have the students place little dots of glue on top of each number. When dry these make colorful, tactile number cards that students can rub with their fingers to help learn numbers. After we use these in class we send them home so the students can practice their numbers with their parents. These are also perfect learning tools for tactile learners. You could also use glitter glue for this project.

Number Fishing
Materials: 12 inch wooden dowels, round magnets, string, construction paper, die-cut shapes, paper clips, Sharpie marker, recording sheet, highlighters, hot glue or E6000.
You can buy 12 inch wooden dowels, small round magnets, and string at the craft store. Next, tie or hot glue the string to one end of each wooden dowel to make “fishing rods”. Glue a magnet to the end of each string. Laminate some construction paper and die-cut some shapes to go with your current theme. Place a paper clip on each die-cut shape and write one number on each shape with your Sharpie marker. Place the thematic shapes in a box or container so your students can go “fishing”.

Next, create a recording sheet. Draw a large thematic shape on a piece of regular sized copy paper using a Sharpie marker. Inside the shape write all the numbers with your Sharpie. For example, if you have 20 shapes and the numbers 1-20 are written on them write the numbers 1-20 on your paper. Copy the sheet for each child. When the students are ready to go “fishing” give them each a recording sheet and a highlighter marker or bingo dot marker. Have them highlight each number catch on their paper.

This is a great activity because you can use the idea all year long, just use different thematic die-cuts to match your themes.

Math Resources:

Math Links:
One-to-One
Patterns
Shapes
Sorting
Colors