Preschool number games are a fun way to teach children early math concepts. Here’s super simple game of “connect-the-dots” that can be made with rope/twine and shells.
Are you following Fun-A-Day’s MATH FOR KIDS Pinterest board?
preschool number games with rope and shells
Amazon links below.
Materials
Rope, twine, string, or yarn
Shells
Permanent marker
Prep
Write numbers on the shell using a permanent marker. I wrote the numbers 1 through 20, but any numbers your children or students are learning would be great.
Preschool number games
Lay the shells out in numerical order. Have the child move the rope from the first number to the last. I found it was easiest for the kiddos to pick up the shell and put it on top of the rope before moving onto the next number. Encourage counting out loud as the child goes from shell to shell.
Let the child to set up the game for you! She can lay the shells out in numerical order, then you get to use the rope to connect the numbered shells. Add some humor into the game by pretending to be “tricked” so the child can help you. Kids love being silly, and they love it when parents and teachers are silly too! So I might say, “1, 2, oh where is 3? Here it is!” while moving to the number 7. I’ve found that kiddos enjoy helping you find the correct number!
Place the numbers in random order, then encourage the child to connect the shells with the rope. I did this in a line and in a circle. Try out any permutation along the way! Be sure to let the child do the same for you!
Other ways to play
I used shells because they were a material I had on-hand. Almost anything could be part of this simple connect-the-dots game. Perhaps use magnetic numbers, or bottle caps with numbers written on them. Cut out paper shapes and write numbers on them. Really, it’s about what you have at home or at school, and you could also use materials that go along with a teaching theme. Bring in some colorful twine or yarn to brighten things up, too!
Do you have any fun preschool number games that your kids/students just love?
More #PLAYfulpreschool ideas for learning with ropes this summer:
Learning Letters with a Rope Pulley by Mom Inspired Life
Spelling Ropes by Rainy Day Mum
Alphabet Activities: Grab and Pull Letters by Growing Book by Book
Rope Balance Game for Kids by Capri + 3
Jumping Rope and Skip Counting to the Beat by Tiny Tots Adventures
Outdoor Number Sorting Game for Preschool! by The Preschool Toolbox Blog
Craft Rope Ornaments for Kids by The Educators’ Spin On It
Amanda says
June 24, 2015 at 8:05 amHow much fun! The boys woke up this morning and sorted shells, we will try this next.
Danielle says
June 24, 2015 at 3:41 pmI love this idea and know my son would too. Plus, we have everything we need to do it! Thanks!
Jodie @ Growing Book by Book says
June 24, 2015 at 11:07 pmSuch a fun way to practice counting!
Natasha says
June 27, 2015 at 6:13 amOmgoodness, this is going to be fun!
Theresa says
June 27, 2015 at 10:54 amThis looks like so much fun. Our daughter has a shell collection. We will have to give this a try!