Memory Game of Numbers
Materials:
A box or basket
11 slips of paper folded in half, each has a numeral of those from 0 – 10
Purposes:
To help the memory “hold” number
To apply counting of quantity to the objects of daily life
To reinforce the understanding of zero
Age: 4 – 4 ½
Preparation:
The child has worked with the Spindle Boxes and played the Zero Game
The child has worked with the Cards and Counters
Presentation:
Gather a group of 11 children.
One child can help pass out the small pouches, one for each child.
Tell the children to open their pouch, read the numbers to themselves quietly (it’s a secret), and put the number back into their pouch.
One by one invite the children to go out into the environment and to get that many of a particular item. “Whatever your number is you may go get that many pencils (or name and object)”
The child with zero will stay seated. Play a little game with them by asking why they are sitting and why they aren’t going to get their quantity of objects.
Once everyone is back, go around the group, have each child count aloud their objects and check it against the slip in their pouch.
Then everyone returns their objects to the environment.
Control of Error: None
Following Exercise: Optional
Independent Work: The child may do this work on their own on a rug.
Pedagogical Notes:
This exercise is the verification/test which allows the child to apply their knowledge to the environment.