10
Learning About Counting
and Colors/Colours
Counting and Numbers:
The fi rst step in your child’s understanding that numerals
stand for specifi c amounts of things is to count out concrete objects. Let your
child count everyday items, like cracks in the sidewalk, the number of napkins on
the table, or cookies in the cookie jar. Together, count collections of things around
the house, such as beds, windows and doors.
Tips for helping your child learn to count:
• Sing counting songs together, such as
This Old Man
or
One, Two, Buckle My
Shoe
. Have your child make two fi sts and unfold a fi nger for each item that is
counted in a song.
• Preschoolers enjoy setting a table; count out the number of each utensil as you
place it on the table.
• Have your child help you count and sort different items as you place them in the
washing machine.
Colors/Colours:
Youngsters are able to express themselves through music, movement, and art if they
are given the opportunity. Children begin to explore language as they describe the
symbols in their artwork. They also practice math skills as they count out crayons,
or match the number of paintbrushes to jars of paint.
Tips for helping your child learn about colors/colours and
develop creativity:
• Encourage your child to explore with different colors/colours of crayons, paints, and
craft dough.
• Provide blank paper, rather than a coloring/colouring book, to encourage creativity.
• Display your child’s artwork in a prominent place where family members can see it.
