Math Patterns

Calendar time is the ultimate learning experience for my preschooler, as we grow and learn new concepts every week. I have recently added a new routine to Calendar time. Since we are learning about patterns (i.e. ab, abc, abcd, aab, etc.) through colored number/date tiles, I thought to add something more tactile for pattern practice. You know how that saying goes: "Learning by doing." So here are some ways that we practice and learn about patterns:

• Using body movements that represent the pattern such as clapping, slapping knees, tapping, snapping with fingers, jumping, twirling, etc. For example, for the ab pattern, we will clap and slap knees; Clap, Slap. I also say the actions words out loud so that they are easy to follow for a preschooler. 
• Place little objects (i.e. buttons, marbles, etc.) in a pattern using an egg carton or ice cube tray. This is not only visual but also very tactile. I also prep this a activity by drawing a follow-along chart that visually details what the child has to do. For example, if the pattern is abc, then I draw three different colored dots that represent the objects used for practice.

© Everything Family Guide

Overall, math is so much fun so don't forget to share that love of math with your child to help him/her cope with math anxiety in their later schooling years.

Annie

Great Toy for Toddlers!

Today, I found this pretty awesome tactile toy for my toddler. It's not a new concept but its pretty helpful for teaching the concepts of shapes and colors. 

© Everything Family Guide

We have some other similar toys that teach shape and name identification.  These types of puzzles are great time filler for toddlers. Here is a link for toddler puzzles with knobs at Melissa and Doug toys...

Annie