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Age range: 3-6

Theme Area: Counting

Related Episode: Follow the Dots

Subjects/Skills: Math; Numeracy

Materials Needed:
Large index cards
Crayons

Directions:
Invite your child to play a "Crayon Game" with you. To play, write the numbers 1-5 on separate index cards. If he doesn't recognize numerals, you can draw dots next to the number to show how many it represents.

Tell him that to play the game, you're going to put the card down on the table. Then you're going to close your eyes. He should then look at the number on the card, and place the matching number of crayons on the card.

Begin with an easy card, like 1 or 2. Ask your child to tell you when he's finished by shouting, "Crayon Surprise!" Make the game fun by expressing surprise at what you see, even if it isn't the right number. You might look around and say, "Oh my! A crayon surprise. Who put this crayon here?" If he doesn't put the correct number of crayons on the card, help him practice counting by using his fingers to touch each crayon as he counts.

As your child gets better at the game, put down two or three cards at a time, and have him cover all the cards. You can also add cards for the numbers 6-10, and even higher.

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