Counting and Matching For Preschoolers (3-5 years of age)

Sometimes; for fun Squeak and I play a game called matching and counting with smarties (she used to called them "farties" ). Hee hee hee.

This game is great for counting, matching and number recognition.

Materials:

Dollar store special- Foam counting puzzle

Big pack of smarties (alternatives- depending on age, you could use buttons, fruit, beads, cereal)

To Do:*

Let your child choose the colour of smartie they would like to match to the number

*Count as you go along If your child says the wrong number. You should redirect by using your words to  " Let's try counting together" and count with them, eventually they will correct themselves on their own, through repetition and guidance they will begin to recognize numbers.

*At the end of the game I usually let Squeak count nine smarties to enjoy after a long hard game of counting and matching! Then we count the left over smarties and put them into a container and store them in the fridge for another time when we feel like playing the game again.

Developmental Strengths:

*Working on strengthening index finger and thumb by placing smaller objects under each other.

*Matching colours with the coloured numbers by recognizing numbers and practicing counting.

* Enjoying some one on one time with mom and dad.

Shari Nelson is an advertising sales rep at City Parent and a contributor to the magazine's social media, including Facebook and Twitter. She has a background in Early Child Care Education, a 3-year-old daughter, a 7-year-old dog, a fish and a hamster. She aspires to own chickens and goat – maybe a farm one day, a dream she shares with her amazing and talented husband.