Montessori at the Beach: Numbers and Counters

Montessori at the Beach: Numbers and Counters

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.

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.

Linked with All Year Round Blog Carnival: Summer.

Related posts:

1. Activity of the Week – Montessori Outdoors: Numbers and Counters
2. Activity of the Week – Beach Sensory Tub