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 Back to Basics

Reading and cooking with kids

From Numbers to Counting to Math

6/20/2020

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*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
     ABC’s and 123’s. The first lessons of childhood. In our experience it seems that children grasp the concept of numbers more quickly than letters. Perhaps it’s because when children are young, parents offer two cookies, one banana, or we get a dozen donuts at the apple orchard and visual counting is as easy as looking at their fingers. But it’s important to continue to develop these skills as number skills are just as valuable as learning to read. 
     The definition of a number is a mathematical object used to count, measure and label. Counting, measuring and labeling are things that are done almost on a daily basis making number skills very valuable. Math is a concept that builds on itself therefore a strong foundation is needed in order for children to make the necessary connections in order to succeed, so starting early with numbers; reading number books, playing number games and finding opportunities for using math concepts will ensure that your child will embrace numbers with ease.
     Beginning math for youngsters starts with shapes, identifying and counting number of sides. Visual aids are best when teaching math skills for most children are visual learners. Use snacks as math manipulatives to keep children engaged and more eager to participate. Snacks can be used to count, sort, create patterns and learn about measurement, size and weight. For instance, think about the many ways you can use something as simple as a box of Fruit Loops cereal to teach math. Children can count, create shapes, and patterns, string them to measure length etc. Square crackers such as Cheez-it’s can be used for counting, multiplying and to teach area and perimeter; gum drops or marshmallows and toothpicks can create geometric shapes. Also consider playing with dice, cards or dominos and also using any manipulatives you can count like marbles, buttons, beads etc. Use a chalkboard or whiteboard so children can practice writing their numbers as well as showing them visually how to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers getting them familiar with mathematical symbols.
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To bring numbers into your daily life:
  • Point out street signs with numbers when in the car.
  • In the store, point out prices, weights and measures.
  • Read number books. There are many great ones available so choose a few to share or read one a day along with an alphabet book.
  • Take a nature walk and count trees, rocks, plants, birds, bugs etc.
  • Play restaurant or store complete with menus and play money.
  • Cook or bake with your child. Both involve numbers in measuring, weighing etc. Double a recipe or half a recipe turning it into a math problem.
  • Teach fractions with a pizza, either a real one or make one with construction paper or felt.
  • Family game night. Most board games involve counting. My 4-year-old’s favorite is all forms of Monopoly and it sure has helped her with addition and subtraction.
  • Look for toys that teach numbers such as those from Learning Resources so children can learn while they play.
  • Offer dot-to-dot and color by number workbooks and pages.
     Opportunities to engage with numbers are everywhere, you just need to seize the moment. Count the seeds as you plant them in the dirt, count the pepperoni as you put it on the pizza, count the number of people at the dinner table and figure out how to divide the pie. If you plan on taking a summer vacation, help children to figure out how many miles to go and how long it will take to get there. Life is filled with numbers. Use them to learn them!
Some number books we love:
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Count the Monsters! by Books for Little Ones
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Count the Mermaids! by Books for Little Ones
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Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett
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100 Bugs!: A Counting Book by Kate Narita
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Hippos Go Berserk! by Sandra Boynton
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Doggies by Sandra Boynton
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Bears Counts by Karma Wilson
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How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? by Jane Yolen
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7 Ate 9 by Tara Lazar
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123s of Art by Sabrina Hahn
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David Carter's 100: Lift the Flaps and Learn to Count!
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1-2-3 Peas by Keith Baker
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Goodnight Numbers by Danica McKellar
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Ten Magic Butterflies by Danica McKellar
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Bathtime Mathtime by Danica McKellar
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Bathtime Mathtime: Shapes by Danica McKellar
For more number and math related books, take a look at our Number Books list!
Usborne Books & More
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1, 2, 3... By the Sea by Dianne Moritz
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Counting Through the Day by Margaret Hamilton
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Count With Me!
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I Can Count
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Nibbles Numbers by Emma Yarlett
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Big Book of Numbers
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Lift-the-Flap Numbers
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Lift-the-Flap First Math
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Lift-the-Flap Sizes and Measuring
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Dotty and Dash's 123: A Pop-up Counting Book
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Lift-the-Flap Adding & Subtracting
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Lift-the-Flap Fractions and Decimals
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Lift-the-Flap Multiplying & Dividing
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Wipe-Clean First Numbers
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Wipe-Clean First Math
*You could earn these UBAM books for FREE by hosting a book party! Think of it as a Tupperware or Pampered Chef party...but for books! Learn more here.*
Happy counting and reading!

-Kate @ BTBL

Author

We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 4) for Kate, and two sons (now 1 and a newborn) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.

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    Author

    We are mom Sandra and daughters Amanda and Kate, all with backgrounds in literacy and education, who want to share our philosophy of taking the basics of life; books, simple toys that encourage play, imagination and creativity, and using cooking and baking to teach math and real life skills to raise happy, inquisitive children. Join us in exploring the old and the new and sifting through the myriad of research to consider what is best for our children.

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  • Home
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    • Book Lists >
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