Adding math to the early childhood classroom - post

Fishing for numbers!

Adding math to the #early_childhood classroom can be easy and fun!

Number Recognition is the process by which a child acquires the ability to recognize various numbers through their names, and visual appearance, and by associating them with their respective quantities. Number recognition is vitally important to children’s growth and development. Below are 5 positive outcomes of number recognition in early childhood.

1. Possessing a strong grasp of number recognition during early childhood lays a foundation for success in mathematics later on in life.
2. The ability to recognize and manipulate numbers at a young age is indicative of future academic achievement.
3. Early exposure to #number_recognition can enhance a child’s cognitive development and problem-solving abilities.
4. Activities that encourage number recognition during early childhood can be fun and engaging for young learners.
5. Recognition of numbers in the early years can positively influence a child's confidence and willingness to engage in mathematical tasks in the future.

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Fishing and Teaching young children basic math principles like number recognition both require patience. But you can make learning fun for your toddler and preschooler with this number fishing math activity. 

Materials:

• A bucket
• Water
• 1 cup cornstarch
• Food coloring
• Foam numbers
• Small fishing or bug nets

Instructions:

• Fill a bucket ⅔ full of water
• Add 1 cup of cornstarch
• Stir until cornstarch is dissolved
• Add a few drops of food coloring
• Stir until color is mixed
• Add foam numbers
• Have children use the net to scoop up a number and ask them to tell you what number it is.
• Older children can scoop two numbers and try adding them together.

Looking for additional ways to support children’s development in the classroom. Check out ChildCareEd’s training courses! Below are just a few courses that provide strategies to increase literacy development and social-emotional development.

Classroom Tools for Emergent Literacy

Self-Regulation & Change: Helping Children Cope