DIY: ABC and Number Books

     When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I was determined to make her an alphabet and number book. I wanted to create a book with the letters A-Z, along with some pictures that started with each letter included. I also wanted to include numbers 1-9, along with pictures that counted up to each number. (i.e. 1 ball, 2 frogs, 3 pencils, etc.) So I did. I pulled out all of my scrap-booking supplies, old magazines, and even an collection of alphabet letters that I had received from Beverly {the director of a local childcare center that I had worked and volunteered for} from years before.  It has been over 4 years since I made this book, and now I can't remember where all of the pictures came from. So I apologize, in advance to those who took the time to take and make such amazing pictures and drawings. At any rate, this is the final product (4 years later).

    This book has seen so much love, and Brooklee literally begs me to read it over and over again. Now, you're probably wondering how on earth I've kept this book without it ripping or tearing to shreds. It was simple, I used contact paper to help laminate each of the pictures. I then made 3 hole punches on the side, and then tied it together with ribbon.

I have always wanted to make another one of these for Saydee, but having two children to take care of doesn't really allow me time to make one. That's when I decided that the printer, some stickers, clear plastic protectors, and a three ringed binder would be helpful.
     Over a year ago, Nikki over at Melonheadz Illustrations had made an ABC Series. I had got the black and white version of it from her, but never used it. Now, I had the perfect excuse. I printed out each letter, colored each with colored pencils, added some stickers, placed each letter in a plastic protector, and then into the binder. It was certainly finished a lot faster than the scrapbook Alphabet Book, and still was just as cute. 


     When I read these books to my daughters, I always like to start out with "A is for Apple" and then I work into the pronunciation. I will pronounce the letter, and then end with the name of the picture (i.e. Ah, Ah, Apple). I do that for each picture included on the page. I always think to invite my daughters to try repeating the pronunciation with me, even if it's not 100% correct. At least, they are enjoying themselves.

When I get to my number section of my books, I always count the objects so that my daughters can learn how to count along.

 I encourage you to make one of these for your kids, and read it over and over. They will love it!

Counting and Matching Numbers Game

     Math has always been one of my favorite subjects to teach kids! I know a lot of kids, who love to play matching games. Brooklee, my 3 year old, loves to play these games. I definitely enjoy taking advantage of this interest. I have done this by adding a learning concept to the game. In this case, I have decided to let Brooklee count and match numbers.

 

I have made some matching cards with:
1) The actual number sitting on top (i.e. 5)
2) The written word of each number. (i.e. five)
3) I placed the correct number of stickers on the card (i.e. five stickers)

Of course; I made matches for each card, from 1-10. Making a total of twenty cards, in all.

Why did I go through all the trouble of adding the number, the written word, and stickers? I wanted my daughter to become familiar with the number, and written word for each number. I also wanted her to continually practice counting each number.

If you have never played a matching game, here are some real simple instructions to follow.
1) Lay out your cards face down.
2) Turn one card over, and  then pick another card to try to make a match.
3) If there is no match, turn the cards back over. (If there are multiple players, it's the next person's turn to play)
4) If a match has been made, the player gets another turn.
5) Repeat the same steps, until all of the matches have been made.

But... with my game:
You will want to lay out the cards face down. The player will turn over a card, but he or she will need to count and/or recognize the number written on the card. He or she will then flip over another card, and have to count and/or recognize what number is on that card. This player will then need to determine if their number cards match. If there is no match, he or she will need to place the cards face down again. Then it's the next person's turn. If a match has been made, the same player will get another turn. Repeat the same steps, until all of the matches have been made.

Below are the pictures from Brooklee and I playing our number matching game. As you can tell, the first picture is a match and the other is not.

I have more fun and exciting math games. If you are interested, you can click here to check them out.

Fun Math Games for Kids

     I love using visuals to teach children, especially when it comes to math. When I taught preschool, I would always use empty egg cartons and cereal to sort and count. The treat would always draw children into the activity, but there was one rule: the child couldn't eat the cereal until the learning activity was over. Today, I would like to share with you just how I taught math using an egg carton and cereal.

     For the counting activity, I would cut out and place numbers 1-6 (one number for each hole in the carton). Once the numbers were placed, I would ask the child to look at each number. Then count out the same number of cereal, and place them into each carton hole. To make it a little more challenging, I would mix up the numbers. For example: Instead of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; I would change it to 5, 3, 4, 1, 6, 2. If the child did well with both challenges, I would add more numbers to the carton. For example: instead of 1-6, I could add 7-12. Then ask the child to count, and place cereal to match the written number.

     Another great way to test a child's math skill is to have them sort their cereal. I would always ask kids to sort by color. If he or she mastered this concept, I would ask the child to sort the cereal by size. To make it a little more challenging, I would switch the cereal out for one that has different shapes (i.e. Lucky Charms) and ask the child to sort the cereal by their shapes. This is a terrific way to test your child to see where they stand in learning their colors, sizes, and shapes.

     These small math activities could be used in any math center, or just as a fun activity to do at home with your spare time. Kids really enjoy these activities, especially getting that tasty reward at the end!