Interactive Calendar Wheel

This week I introduced an interactive component to our Daily Calendar. I wanted to make my preschooler more involved in the Calendar activity. Hence the Interactive Calendar Wheel was introduced!

Interactive Calendar Wheel © Everything Family Guide

We used two (8 1/2 by 11 inches sized) thick cardboard papers to make the Interactive Calendar. For the top layer, we drew pictures that are specific to each box/topic. In the Interactive Calendar, we added titles and pictures to help our child find the items easily. There are two ways to make this calendar:

• For individual use, make a calendar that is easy to hold and sized right (around 8 1/2 by 11 OR 8 1/2 by 14 inches).
• For group use (in a classroom), make a calendar on a large chart paper (27 by 34 inches) and laminate it for future use/reuse.

© Everything Family Guide

 

We use the interactive calendar wheel to practise what we are learning in calendar time. For example, when we place the date cards on our wall calendar, then I have my preschooler spin the wheel on the interactive calendar's date section so that he can demonstrate the date as well. This way he is learning by doing in more than one way. And that is the best way to learn; learn by doing. 

We are finding the interactive learning wheel to be very beneficial for Calendar Math. We suggest that you try it with your little one...

Annie

Math Number Representation Practice

Math is all about practice. You can never get enough practice, so it is important to keep trying. Building a strong mathematical foundation in the early years is the key to success. Well, that's what I'm hoping to do with my preschooler.  

My preschooler can read numbers from 0-13, but he cannot identify/represent what each number means. So I have been working hard to help him recognize and understand what each number represents. For example, the number "3" means three of something (i.e. dots or stars, etc.) He can identify 0-3 with his fingers, but not with confidence. So, we have been working with little counters (like beads, buttons, etc.) to help him with number representation.

For the activity below, we used buttons to show what each number looks like. I placed the corresponding number of sticker dots on each number card.

© Everything Family Guide

Then I had my preschooler, roll the dice to pick a number for representation. For example, if the number dice landed on three, he would pick the number three card out of the pile and place it in the front to practice number representation. He then placed the buttons in the exact way that was shown on the number card. I also guided him to count each button as he placed them in order. We did that a few more times for practice. You can also use a regular dice which only counts to six but you can roll twice to go bigger. Overall, it is a fun way to practice number representation.

© Everything Family Guide

What are some number representation activities that you do with your preschooler(s)?

Annie