Presentation
Recommended Age: 4 years (can be younger depending on the child’s skills and experiences).
Purpose: To introduce the child to the symbols for the numbers 1-9 and to prepare the child for writing numerals.
Level of Parent Involvement: Medium, the adult must present the sandpaper numerals, 3 each time until the child memorises all numerals from 1-9.
Prerequisites
- None
Materials
- Sand paper numerals (see resource pack)
Preparation
- None
Steps
- Invite the child letting them know they you will be showing them the
sandpaper numerals - Bring the set of numerals to the table and sit next to the child (have the child sit to your left if your right hand is your dominant hand so the child can see, if you are left handed, have the child sit to your right)
- Take 3 numerals from the set and place them on the table in front of the child (for the purpose of this presentation we will use the example of 1, 3 and 5)
- Using your index and middle finger trace the numeral 1 from top to bottom saying to the child “this is one”
- Invite the child to trace
- Repeat for 3 and 5, tracing the numerals in the same way as you would write them
- Do a 3-period lesson with 1, 3 and 5 (see video)
- On another day confirm the child can recall 1, 3 and 5, then introduce 3 more numerals in the same way
- Continue presenting 3-period lessons, 3 numerals at a time until the child has memorised all
Variations:
- Commands: for example, trace the sandpaper numeral on the table, in the air, on a chalkboard, clap this many times, jump this many times etc.
- The child may begin writing numbers on a piece of paper or a chalkboard
