Acknowledgements - gapitc

Meal times are a great time to introduce early math concepts. Serve foods of
different shapes such as quesadillas cut into triangles, round banana slices, and
square slices of cheese.
Cut colorful sponges into circles, squares, and triangles for your child to play with
in the bathtub.
Find cardboard, plastic, and cloth picture books that show different numbers
of objects. Look for books in the children’s section of the public library and at
garage sales!
Use size, shape, and counting words throughout the day. Point out the size and
shape of different toys, foods, and other familiar objects. Count things such as
the number of plates on the table and the number of spoons you sorted in the
Sorting Spoons activity above.
Provide a selection of puzzles with a few large pieces that have their own space
in the base of the puzzle. Choose puzzles with knobs. If necessary, glue corks or
empty thread spools on each piece to help your child develop her small muscle
skills.
Have blocks of different sizes and colors. Cardboard “hollow” blocks are excellent
for one year olds. Make your own by covering shoe boxes and other cartons
with construction or contact paper.
Let your child experiment with the way objects balance or fall. Wooden and hollow
blocks are excellent for this activity.
Tubs with a small amount of water or sand and measuring cups and spoons are
excellent for children to begin to explore measurement concepts.
Cooking activities teach children about measuring. Let your child help whenever
possible.
Look for children’s books, puzzles, and blocks at garage sales.
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