The best preschool activities allow children to be interactive and hands on while they explore new concepts. We’ve developed a fun, easy to prepare ocean theme counting activity to do just that.
Exploring and Counting
This ocean theme counting activity gives preschoolers the opportunity to explore natural textures and shapes while reinforcing numeral recognition, number sense, and counting. While doing this activity, children will:
- learn to recognize numerals
- learn to associate numerals with corresponding amounts
- practice counting
- explore natural properties of sand and shells
The set up for this activity is simple. You will need:
- a shallow tray or dish (we used a cake pan)
- play sand
- number shaped cookie cutters
- sea shells
Fill your tray about half full with a layer of play sand. Set out your numeral cookie cutters and sea shells and invite the children to play. This activity can be done taking turns as a group or individually.
Say a number. The child can find the cookie cutter. Then invite him to press the cookie cutter into the sand. Remove it to make an impression in the sand. If your sand is very dry, you may need to dampen it with a small amount of water for best results when making the impression.
This part of the activity is wonderful for allowing children to see how the cookie cutter makes the shape in the sand. You can take this a step further for children who are learning to write numerals by allowing them to draw in the sand instead of using the cookie cutters.
Next, invite the child to count out the number of sea shells that corresponds to the numeral in the sand and press them into the tray. This part of the activity helps children to not only count but also explore the natural colors and textures of the shells. Encourage the child to talk about these properties.
For further learning, choose numerals in order and line them up as you continue this activity. This reinforces counting order and allows children to see how the number of shells increases as the numerals increase.
This activity is easy to set up and provides many ways to teach children number and counting concepts, while also allowing them to explore and interact with natural shapes and textures. And of course, it is a lot of fun!
BIO: Laura is a mom to twin boys and the author of Sunny Day Family, where she shares easy and engaging activities and crafts. She has a passion for early literacy and makes books come alive with activities like her Little Blue Truck Sensory Bin! Connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.