FOR THE GROWN-UPS BEHIND THE LITTLE EXPLORERS

Numbers & math

Numbers & math. Practical activities for children ages 3–8: letters, counting, shapes, colors, science, and social learning, with examples and tips for parents.

Ideas to try together

All articles Letters & reading Numbers & math Shapes & spatial thinking Colors & creativity Science & discovery Feelings & social learning Family learning routines Age & stage guides Materials & format comparisons Activity shortlists & rankings

One-to-One Counting with Snack-Time Supplies

One-to-One Counting with Snack-Time Supplies

Match one number word to each object in a small set. One spoon can be moved for each number spoken.

Understanding Zero with an Empty Basket

Understanding Zero with an Empty Basket

Connect the word zero with a set containing no objects. A basket with no blocks has zero blocks.

Recognizing Numerals through a Parking Game

Recognizing Numerals through a Parking Game

Match a written numeral with a counted group. The space labeled 3 needs three blocks.

Comparing More and Fewer without Guessing by Size

Comparing More and Fewer without Guessing by Size

Compare two groups by pairing objects. Four spread-out blocks can still be fewer than five close-together blocks.

Making Five in Different Ways

Making Five in Different Ways

Decompose a small total into two parts. Five can be split into two and three.

Making Ten with a Homemade Ten-Frame

Making Ten with a Homemade Ten-Frame

Recognize ten as a full arrangement with two rows of five. Seven filled spaces leave three empty spaces.

Addition Stories with Toy Animals

Addition Stories with Toy Animals

Model addition as joining two groups. Two animals join three animals to make five.

Subtraction as Taking Away with Paper Leaves

Subtraction as Taking Away with Paper Leaves

Model subtraction by removing objects from a visible set. Seven leaves with two moved away leaves five.

Counting On from a Known Number

Counting On from a Known Number

Continue a count from an established total. Knowing there are four lets the next count begin at five.

Number Lines Made from Floor Tiles

Number Lines Made from Floor Tiles

Connect a move along a number line with a numerical change. Starting at 3 and moving two spaces forward lands on 5.

Skip Counting by Twos with Paired Socks

Skip Counting by Twos with Paired Socks

Count equal pairs as groups of two. Five pairs can be counted as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.

Skip Counting by Fives with Hand Outlines

Skip Counting by Fives with Hand Outlines

Connect equal groups of five with a growing total. Three five-finger outlines represent fifteen fingers.

Tens and Ones with Bundled Paper Strips

Tens and Ones with Bundled Paper Strips

Compose a two-digit number from tens and ones. One bundle and four loose strips represent fourteen.

Teen Numbers as Ten and Some More

Teen Numbers as Ten and Some More

Distinguish teen quantities using a full ten and extra ones. Sixteen means a group of ten and six more.

Ordering Numbers from Smallest to Largest

Ordering Numbers from Smallest to Largest

Compare and arrange several quantities consistently. 2, 5, and 8 belong in that increasing order.

Finding a Missing Number in a Counting Path

Finding a Missing Number in a Counting Path

Use neighboring numbers to complete a sequence. 4, 5, blank, 7 needs 6 in the open space.

Equal Sharing with Crayons

Equal Sharing with Crayons

Distribute objects so each recipient receives the same amount. Six crayons shared equally between two toys gives three each.

Fair Does Not Always Mean Equal: A Math Conversation

Fair Does Not Always Mean Equal: A Math Conversation

Distinguish equal quantities from a discussion about different needs. Equal groups can be counted, while fairness also depends on the story.

Odd and Even with Partners

Odd and Even with Partners

See whether a set can form pairs without a leftover object. Seven counters make three pairs and one leftover.

Doubles Facts with Matching Towers

Doubles Facts with Matching Towers

Connect two equal groups with a doubles addition fact. A tower of four beside another four represents double four.

Near Doubles through One Extra Block

Near Doubles through One Extra Block

Use a known double to reason about a neighboring addition fact. Four plus five is double four and one more.

Comparing Two-Digit Numbers with Place-Value Models

Comparing Two-Digit Numbers with Place-Value Models

Compare tens before ones when ordering two-digit numbers. 32 is greater than 28 because three tens exceed two tens.

Measuring Length with Equal Paper Clips

Measuring Length with Equal Paper Clips

Measure by repeating the same unit without gaps. A pencil can be described as six paper clips long.

Reading Whole Hours on a Homemade Clock

Reading Whole Hours on a Homemade Clock

Connect the hour hand’s position with an exact hour. At 3:00 the short hand points to 3 and the long hand to 12.