Young children learn about and connect with their world through hands-on play. Educators and parents can assist children in establishing the foundations of future math skills naturally during playtime in the early childhood years. Fundamental math concepts such as counting, pattern-making, and estimating can be learned in fun ways through a variety of manipulatives like blocks or even BUGS! Sorting our faux bugs with Tweezers, Mini Tongs, Mini Grabbers, and Picker Uppers is the perfect way to blend math, science, and hand skill development.
Our Tiny Ants, Tiny Flies, Tiny Spiders, and Tiny Critter Set are itsy-bitsy favorites among children. Just counting these critters would make an excellent activity, but think about combining the Tiny Ants with Tiny Flies or Tiny Spiders for a fantastic sorting experience either individually or in small group! We have even combined all three bugs in our Tiny Critter Set for your convenience. The critters are slightly different in form and size so children will hone their visual discrimination and fine motor skills while practicing sorting with a variety of Tool Time tools. Please note that amounts of each tiny insect group vary, which is important for children to experience when counting and sorting.
Math/Science Activity:
1. Have same-sized containers ready for children to deposit critters into so they can visually compare amounts and levels as they sort.
2. Take this activity up a notch by asking children to place a certain amount of each of the insects into separate containers or the same amount in each of the containers- practicing, of course, discrimination of same and different as well as counting and estimating.
This activity will work well in the math, science, writing, or even a problem solving center. How wonderful it is to know that you are providing children with activities that are so much fun and yet are loaded with skill building opportunities that go straight to academic achievement! Both parents and teachers can use this easy activity to promote a child's understanding of English descriptive vocabulary and math terminology such as more, less, more than, less than, same, different, larger, smaller, more full, less full, exact, estimate even, uneven, equal, and unequal. And the greatest thing is that these terms can be learned so subtly within the framework of the activity. It's the best! So put down the pencils and worksheets and get after some creepy critters! Inspire conceptual learning in math and science centers with a hands-on approach to learning!
Remember: It's all about the children and engaging them in meaningful play to promote learning. Critters may scare grown-ups, but children love them!
Have a great week...Write Out of the Box!
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