Kindergarten Math Activities on the Numerals 1-31
- Use removable masking tape to create a number line on the kindergarten classroom floor and use it to reinforce calendar numbers one through 31. Label each number on the line with a marker and invite students in small groups to play a number line game with colored disc counters. Students gently toss their chips toward a number called out by the teacher. The student whose chip lands on or closest to the designated number can call out the next number. As a tip, give each student in the group a different colored counter.
- Create your own dot-to-dot pictures using numbers from one to 31. Children revisit the order of the numbers as they connect the dots to make the picture appear. Challenge each student to devise his own dot-to-dot game using the same calendar numbers that, when connected, display the capital letter beginning his first or last name, a picture of his favorite animal or a type of food. The students may exchange the dot-to-dots with a neighboring student.
- Post a clue on the board that when figured out results in a number between one and 31. As a class, read the problem and discuss it. For example, you may ask students how many snowballs are used to make a common snowman, the answer being three. On the third day of the month the students would take out their monthly calendar and write a "3" in the day's box. On the fourth day, ask students how many quarters are in one dollar and they would write "4" in the fourth day's calendar space. Continue until the month is complete.
- Each day when gathering to discuss the calendar, one student places a plastic penny into a calendar container. On the fifth day, the student to deposit the fake penny would count and exchange the five pennies for one nickel. Continue to add pennies until the tenth day of the month and exchange the five pennies for another nickel and the two nickels for one dime. Perform the daily ritual until the 31st day of the month. The daily use activity not only practices numbers one through 31 but reinforces coin recognition and exchange.
