How Many Fingers?
Here's What To Do
Invite your child to play a math game using your fingers.
Wiggle your fingers, showing your child one and then two.
Explain that you will show one and two fingers in different ways and they can shout out the number of fingers they see.
Using both hands, do various configurations of one and two using different fingers and one or both hands. Be sure to show both the front and back of your hands as you put fingers up.
Alternate between showing one and two fingers.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Find a place that is quiet and invite your child to hold your hand.
Engage:
- Start with using one finger and ask “How many fingers do you see?”
- Use different fingers to show the same number or number combinations. Example, take turns using different fingers for the number one or use both hands to show different fingers for the number two.
Encourage:
- Give your child a hint but try not to give them the whole number. Try, “There are t-t-t-t, yes the number two.”
- Don’t worry if your child makes mistakes and calls out the wrong number – just redirect and try again!
Reflect:
- What part of this game did you like the most? Who else do you think might like this game?
Not quite ready?
Show your child how many by putting one finger up and saying, “One, I see one finger.” Repeat it with me, “one” and have your child touch your finger as you say one.
Ready for more?
Repeat the same activity but this time show three fingers.
As your child masters this skill...
Will say one or two when they see one toy or two shoes without counting.