The Number Train

Today we "rode the number train".  Well, we actually just completed a counting/pattern activity I randomly decided to do with the boys.  But it was referred to as the number train.

I printed out different rail cars that I found on clip art and the numbers 1-14.  

I then cut out and pasted the cars together (Why didn't I just print out one long train?), and I cut out and put tape on the back of all the numbers.  

I let my boys do the rest. They counted the rail cars and took turns finding and placing the correct numbers unto the cars. 

And once they were all numbered, we discussed the patterns and reviewed counting and number recognition.  (I also get bonus points for remembering to ask color questions).

My train was way bigger than I intended it to be, so we ended up throwing it away when we were done.  But my boys enjoyed the train enough that I made a self vow to make it again, in felt or with Velcro. They definitely want to do the activity again, and it's pretty flexible so I can add different things to it, like letters or sight words.  

The number train may soon be "the educational train".  I will share the reusable version once it's made, but for now I will just reprint the paper one...just way smaller.

Counting Activity: Rolling Dice

We're covering numbers and  counting in our curriculum, as you already know.  I found these really cool dry erase dice at Dollar Tree-- for one dollar each- to use with the boys. I thought I'd share our activity of rolling dice. 
Because we're on number 1, I put one on all of the sides and let them roll it. When they get to 2, it'll say 1 & 2. And when we get to numbers like 16, it'll have two 16s & four random numbers that are less than 16.  
The red die has the actual number, the yellow one has dots. Kid A has the number block when he rolls Kid B has to find that amount of dots on his block. Then Kid B rolls and Kid A has to count the dots and find the corresponding number on his block.  Then they switch blocks: Kid A has the dots & Kid B has the number. Kid A will roll, & Kid B has to count the dots & find the number on his die. Then kid B rolls and Kid A has to find that amount of dots on his die.  I called this a "round"; we did three rounds.
My 3-year-old really liked the game and completely understood the rules. 
My 2-year-old enjoyed the game too.  Aside from erasing the side facing up every time he rolled, he did a pretty great job of following the rules too!  
As you see I tried to make a "circle" for them to roll the dice in (using a belt, how pathetic!), but that just distracted them.  They did better just sitting and rolling on the open floor 

The only downfall of this activity was the fact that I had to keep putting the dots and numbers back on them-- Thanks, Azariah!  And that's probably going to get a bit tedious when we get to bigger numbers, but HOPEFULLY, by then I'll have him convinced not to erase my hard work every roll. Other than that. it was really a fun activity, and I even got a few turns.  We will be doing this weekly, for sure.