What’s the Number? Count it With Blocks!

Tape a long, straight line on the floor using painter’s tape.

Tape across the line at equal intervals to create 10 or so spaces.

Write the numbers 1-10 (or whatever number of intervals you made) on sticky notes and stick on one side of the number line. We used the sections in between the lines instead of the line themselves.

Start with the number 1 and ask your child to find one block to put in the section across from the number. Repeat with the number 2.

If your child doesn’t recognize the numbers yet, have her start back at the number 1 on the number line and count the sticky notes down the line to figure out what the number is. Then have her find that number of blocks and count them. Ask again, "How many blocks are there?” while pointing to the sticky note.

Sometimes, your child will be able to just tell you. Other times, she may need to count the blocks again or count down the number line.

For younger preschoolers, consider starting with only numbers 1-5 instead of going all the way to 10 (or 12, if that's the length of your number line). It takes quite a long time to count and recount the blocks and numbers. If your child begins to lose interest, that's fine. You can take a break or move on to another activity.