Introduction
The joy - and concentration - on a young child’s face when they have learned to count from 1 to 5 is priceless. But how can parents and carers make numbers real for children so that they build on their developing numeracy skills?
How CBeebies can help
Watching the superhero animated Numberjacks is a great way for your child to have fun with numbers. They can practise their number recognition skills and then continue the fun with simple activities such as going on a number hunt around the home.
Then, if you’re stuck for other ideas for numeracy games, you and your child could have a go at the Numberjacks games on the CBeebies website.
Tamba’s Abacus is a wonderful resource for your child to practise their counting skills. You can find it in the 'Play Games' section of the Tikkabilla pages.
And don’t forget to have a go at the Counting Quiz which is one part of the Show Me Show Me Game on the CBeebies website. This fun quiz tests your child’s ability to count objects from 1-10.
How to make a magic moment
Making number puppets is a winner at this age. Just have five old socks at the ready, plus some card, scissors, paints and glue.
Draw five pairs of bright eyes for each of the puppets and help your child colour them in. Glue a pair on each sock. Then draw out large numerals from one to five – all large enough to become the main body of each puppet. Help your child colour them in. Glue on and your number puppets are ready to make their appearance at a puppet theatre!
Try making a theatre out of an old sheet draped over a couple of chairs. Get your child to announce or shout out the puppet number as it makes its appearance on stage.
