1,2,3…Go! While many children can say the number 3, they also need to build in their mind an idea of “threeness”. To do this, kids need lots and lots of experiences with 3. Over time, they create a mental image of how much is 3, linking how many to the number word. This basic understanding or number sense is very important for kindergarten readiness and all other math learning. Plus, they will do lots of number exploration at kindergarten, too.
Today’s readiness for kindergarten pre-math activity is exploring 3. If appropriate, ask your child to put 3 blocks or cars in a line, find 3 stuffies, 3 books, etc. Younger kids may not be able to, but together you and your child can count 3 things a few times. Then, let your munchkin play with the items. Older kids may be able to make 2 or 3 different groups of 3 things. Do they have the same number of objects? Yes, 3 is always 3. Is there a special shape that’s like 3? A triangle. Why is it like a 3?
Setting the table is a 3 activity: knife, fork and spoon = 3. Put away 3 toys, read 3 books, eat 3 things, do 3 actions–hop, skip, jump. Take 3 giant steps, 3 baby ones, 3 medium ones.There’s lots of books about 3 and some stories to just tell, like The Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Sing 3 Little Kittens Lost Their Mittens. Make up some new animals: 3 little bunnies lost their honey, 3 little frogs lots their logs, 3 little llamas lots their mamas. Oh, no!! What’s your child’s favorite number? Is it 3?