My husband and I just returned from six days visiting our kids and kids-in-law in San Diego! I couldn’t help but think of a beach variation for an activity of the week from last summer – Montessori Outdoors: Numbers and Counters. That post was based on an activity for preschoolers from What DID we do all day? using chalk numerals and pinecone counters.
Beach Numbers and Counters
Cards and Counters
Instead of using Montessori cards and counters (or chalk numerals and pinecones like last year’s activity), this activity uses numerals written in the sand and seashell counters. This activity includes a scavenger hunt to find 55 seashells to use with the numerals 1-10. [Here are directions for introducing traditional Montessori cards and counters from Montessori Primary Guide.]
Point of interest: placing the seashells with two in each row and a leftover seashell centered in a row beneath gives a visual impression of odd and even.
“Sandpaper” Numerals
You can also review “sandpaper” numerals at the beach. For younger children, you can introduce a few numerals by writing a numeral in the sand while saying its name and having your child trace over the numeral after you. Use the three-period lesson to introduce and review numerals.
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Excellent idea! Thank you! I can teach kids in Kenya this way. Sometimes the simple things are the best. And you can have so much fun!
Love this post, Deb! My girls would have a lot of fun with a scavenger hunt on the beach to find the shells. Thanks for sharing at Discover & Explore.
What a great idea! I have lived with the beach just two blocks away for the last 10+ years and it never occurred to me to do this!
Saving this one in my head for this summer vacation! 🙂
Thanks, Michelle! That sounds great! Have a happy 4th of July! 🙂
We’re going to the beach in September and I can’t wait to write letters and numbers in the sand with my boys. Thanks for your ever present inspiration. Love visiting your site. 🙂
Thanks so much for your kind comment, Lori! Have a wonderful 4th of July! 🙂
this reay excellen blog for children nice post
1st time here do visit my blog
Thank you for your kind comment, Santosh! I’ll plan to visit your blog, too! 🙂
this is a great blog. I am going to pass this on to my daughter who has a 3 year old and a 1 year old. The Gentle Discipline articles are just what we need! Thanks, Deb. God Bless!
Thanks so much for your kind comment, Kay! I appreciate you letting your daughter know about my blog! 🙂
The ability to teach is everywhere – nice post!
Thanks so much, Leeanne! So true that the “ability to teach is everywhere”!