Number Mats

We do lots of activities during preschool to help the children develop strong number sense.  These number mats are one of the ways that we practice during center time.

There are 12 mats labeled 1-12.  To set up the center, we add a bowl full of thematic counters (sparkly snowflakes in January).  The students count the number of snowflakes to match the number on the mat.

We also have a set of snowball cards.  Each one shows a number in a different way: dice, fingers, tens frames, tallies, unifix cubes, etc.  The students sort through the snowballs and find the four that belong on the number mat.

There's also a heart set for Valentine's Day.  We used foam hearts and small plastic heart beads for counters, but you could also use small heart erasers.

The number mats are a fun and quick way to practice counting and identifying sets.  In March, we will use these St. Patrick's Day shamrock mats.

... and in April I'll pull out the Easter mats!

Have fun playing and learning with your children today.