Acknowledgements - gapitc

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Look at pictures in a book such as Shapes, Shapes, Shapes by Tana Hoban to show
the children different objects with different shapes.
Meal times are great times to introduce early math concepts. Serve foods of different
shapes such as sandwiches cut into triangles, round crackers, and square chunks
of cheese. Introduce the concept of “just one” as your child chooses one item at
a time from a serving tray.
Read books such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle or One Hungry Monster
by Susan Heyboer O’Keefe to begin to introduce number words and counting.
Play a simple patterning game while you are waiting to be served in a restaurant or
in the doctor’s office. Repeat two motions in sequence such as clapping your hands
and patting your head. Encourage your child to do the same. Change the pattern
and play some more!
Use size and shape words throughout the day. Point out the size and shape of different
toys, cookie cutters, food items at the grocery store, and other familiar objects.
Use counting words throughout the day. Count things such as the number of people
at the table, steps into your apartment, and children at the playground.
Blocks are a great learning toy—look for them at garage sales. Your two year old
may begin to build structures in addition to stacking.
Tubs with water or sand and measuring cups and spoons are excellent for children
to explore measurement concepts.
Give your child opportunities to experiment with different materials. Give her
different size empty boxes and containers and watch her explore!
Ask questions that encourage your child to think creatively. For example, “We do
not have an engine for our train—what can we use?”