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Knocking Stuff Down While Learning? Subtraction Bowling Makes Preschool Math Fun
The sanctioned hurling of objects to knock things down AND learning math at the same time make for an irresistible combination when teaching the preschool crowd. This is indisputable fact.
So, let’s face it, the Subtraction Bowling freebie from Recipe for Teaching was destined to be a hit before it ever made an appearance in our classroom. And guess what? It was — with the active and reserved kiddos alike.
For each bowling alley you set up, you’ll need 10 cups and a softball-sized ball. A yarn ball, oversized pompom or … dare we suggest … a wiffle ball, if you’re adventurous, will do the trick. The kiddos throw (or roll) the ball at the cups, count how many they knocked down and record it. After subtracting the knocked down pins, they then can record the number that remain standing.
Laminate the free printouts for use with dry erase markers. Your kiddos can hurl, count, subtract and repeat to their hearts’ content!
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Things That Go “Bump” In The Classroom
Ah, Bump, a true favorite in our class! Once Upon a Learning Adventure provides this version as part of a free four-pack of math small group games.
Bump is a fun counting game for working on one-to-one correspondence, numeral identification and connecting numeral to quantity.
Children play the game in pairs, so you will need one game sheet, two six-sided dice and 12 linking cubes in each of two colors for each twosome. (We recommend laminating several copies of the game sheet because this game will surely be popular!)
So many squeals of joy come out of this game — the kiddos love “bumping” each other off a number. Additionally, once they have the game’s directions mastered, kiddos can pair up and play it independently.
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Spring Has Sprung: Learning All About Plants
Spring is right around the corner, and we’ve banished all visions, mentions or even thoughts of winter from our classroom! We’re launching our “Nature All Around Us” unit and today’s free printable fits right in as it teaches all about plants.
We LOVE Pocket of Preschool’s topic investigations, and this freebie is a mini version that explores plant needs, plant parts and plant lifecycles. It also includes a cut-and-paste sequencing activity.
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Print and Drive Number Rhymes
We adore the Print and Drive Number Rhymes freebie from Preschool Mom — another fun, hands-on way to teach numbers in small groups or at independent exploration centers.
Combining action with learning, preschoolers use vehicles to drive along roads shaped like the numbers 1-10. This reinforces concepts of numeral recognition and counting.
And this set comes with a bonus: each number has its own cute rhyme that helps children remember how to write it.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you though — use of this fun freebie may cause spontaneous “Vrooms!” to erupt in your classroom!
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Domino Parking Lot Math Game
Our Pre-K kiddos love, Love, LOVE playing Domino Parking Lot. We use this math game in small groups for focused learning. This activity helps with counting (up to 24), one-to-one correspondence and subitizing.
This free printable from Teachable Moments comes in two versions — spots numbered 1-12 for use with basic sets of dominoes, and spots numbered 13-24 for dominoes with more than 12 dots. It also comes with or without domino illustrations for an added challenge for your preschool kiddos.
Our preschoolers love to make car noises as they drive the dominoes along the road and into the parking spots. If they come across duplicate dominoes, they like to pile the “cars” on top of each other in the spots. Fun and learning, our favorite combo!
Free Preschool Math, Science, Literacy, Reading, Writing and Art Resources for Teachers and Parents