Category: Count with

At the store? Ask your child to find one orange, two apples, and three bananas (or any items on your list). As they bring them to the cart, have them count out each item one by one. Take one of the items out and ask them how many are now left.

At dinner, have some fun with your child by counting each bite they take. After the first bite, announce “one!” in a silly voice. If they know numbers, make a mistake (“one, three”) and see if they can spot your mistake!

Anytime you’re waiting in line, ask your child to guess how long until it’s your turn. How many numbers can you count? Or how many times will you sing a favorite song? Take turns inventing new “Waiting Games.”

When your child is learning to walk up and down stairs, hold their hand, and count each step you take. This helps them become familiar with their numbers and it’s fun!

Being out and about is a great time to be on the lookout for what’s around. As you go, point out what you see. Do you see birds, trees, leaves, people? Ask your child, “How many do you see?” Take turns pointing to different things all over!

At mealtime or snacktime, create math stories with your child: “Imagine you’re a hungry bear and these crackers look yummy.” Count them together and invite them to choose a number of crackers to eat. Then ask: “How many crackers did you eat? How many crackers are left?”

Give your child two plastic tubs or old boxes and ask them to choose safe things like toys or spoons to put inside. Ask questions about more and less, empty and full. You can say, “I wonder which box has more spoons? How can we find out?” See what ideas they come up with!

Are you eating crackers or other food like that? Ask your child how many they want. Give them that amount and say, “Eat one. How many are left?” Count together, encouraging them to count out loud. Then you take a turn. Continue this game until the crackers are all gone.

Show your child how to use string or yarn to measure parts of their body. Have them put out their arm and hold the string along the length of their arm. Cut the string and hold it out: How long is it? Can they compare it to other body parts? Can they measure your arm?

Sometimes mealtime can be a challenge. Encourage your child to eat by offering them choices about how they eat. You can say something like, “Do you want two big dinosaur bites or four little bird bites?” Count the bites together and ask them to think of their own “Animal Bites” eating ideas.