C (age 4) has been having trouble counting from 11 to 20. She always wants to skip the 14, and 17. So, I decided to make a puzzle with her today, and work on counting at the same time, though this type of puzzle would work equally well for skip counting, or even spelling sight words, instead of simple counting.
First I laid out 10 Popsicle sticks, and taped them side by side, with painters tape.
Then, I wrote on the numbers, counting down from 20 to 11 (you want to start with your numbers going backwards from how you are going to use them).
I flipped the sticks over, so the numbers were still at the top on the back side...
...and had C, color a picture on the front. She chose a rainbow.
When she was done coloring, I removed the tape, and scrambled the sticks, with the numbered sides showing...
...for her to put in order, with guidance from her older brother.
Finally, she turned the sticks over, to discover if they were in the correct order, and would make the picture correctly.
For more math themed activities, and ideas, check out this week's Math Monday link-up, hosted by Joyful Learner.
It's great to be a homeschooler.
What a great idea. My 6-year old still has a problem with the teens, so this might be good for him, too.
ReplyDeleteIt is a smart idea! I had seen the idea of making a puzzle like this before, and I've thought of using it with the preschool crowd I read to at the library, but I had never thought of using the puzzle in this way...good thinking :)
ReplyDeleteI always forget to try making one of these cool puzzles. I love this idea.
ReplyDeleteDitto what Susan said ... fantastic!
ReplyDeleteGreat self-correcting puzzle. I like this idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. Selena use to want to leave 15 out, but with a lot of practice she finally gets in there. I would never have thought of doing something like this!
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome. Like Phyllis my little guys sometimes still have problems with this.
ReplyDeleteSimple, colorful, and FUN! I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteHow creative! I don't think I would have thought of putting the numbers on the back...too much thought for me. I probably put the numbers in the front. ;)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this idea- genius! Thanks so much, I'll be linking.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun idea!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have you link up to my For the Kids Friday Link Party!
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http://sunscholars.blogspot.com
Thanks for the idea. It has been a while since we have made a popsicle stick puzzle and this was perfect with the upcoming St. Patrick's Day. We did this today with my daughter and her friend.
ReplyDeleteI went back to look and realized that I used this idea in one of our classes. I share so much with them that I don't always remember where I got the ideas from. I am adding a link to the blog post I made to make sure you get credit! I am sorry about my oversight - I love, love this idea and it was a terrific success in our classrooms!
ReplyDeleteDeborah - I'm glad to hear it!
ReplyDeleteThat's such a fun idea...I made popsicle stick puzzles recently for my son, but love that you incorporated numbers. My almost 4 year old has been skipping 10 lately, of all things...
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! Thank you. Would love to make myself...
ReplyDeleteI love this! So going to make popsicle stick puzzles with my sproutlets.
ReplyDeleteI'd love it if you'd link this post to the Rainbow Connection... :)