“Fill the Pockets (count to 5)”
KNPIG ID #S 2203.0
What's this activity about?
This activity challenges your child to count the number of objects in a group and fill pockets on a game board you can create together. Kids love to make stuff and get creative. This is a great way to use that product to practice important math skills.
What materials do we need?
Printable dot cards with 0-5 dots, 2 or more sets Game Board you create: Create the pockets by sealing a letter sized envelope and cutting in half. Then attach the pockets to a larger piece of paper or piece of poster board. Each pocket should be clearly labeled with one of the numerals- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Then finish the game board with non-distracting decorations.
How do we play?
Mix the dot cards and place in a stack. Your child will then draw a card from the pile and place in the matching pocket on the game board. After all the cards are placed, your child should then check all of the pockets to be sure the cards in each match.
Where’s the Math?
This activity goes along with math your child is learning in school. Your child is learning that numbers represent quantities and this game helps them understand that relationship. Also, when your child is practicing their counting they will begin to understand that the last number name they say is the number of objects in the group they are counting. Finally, your child is practicing how to answer a question they will hear a lot of- “How many?” This is an important concept to master before moving on to addition tasks.
Things to Think About:
As you use this activity with kids, remember to be patient. Sometimes it’s hard not to help them along if they struggle with matching the quantities to the numerals. There might be a lot of guessing at first. This may be a time to step back and practice counting and matching together. Exposure to the numerals and quantities together outside the context of the game may be helpful to them also. Think about where you can show them these relationships. The grocery store is a great time. They can help you place up to five items in the cart when you point out a numeral in the store. This can be helpful for those 5 for $5 specials. When children can see a practical application of the math they are using, they will remember that concept better and be able to recall the skill faster.
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