COLOURFUL COUNTING MICE
PLAYING & SOCIAL LEARNING, EXPERIENCES WITH THE ENVIRONMENT Age range: 5/6 years - Preparation time: 20 minutes - Working time with children: approximately 2 x 20 minutes
INTRODUCTION
The foundations for mathematical thinking are laid in the first years of life. Handcrafted mice aid number learning in a playful way and in the first calculations between numbers 1 and 10. Moving the mobile, strung wooden pearls backward and forward encourages counting and supports knowledge of numbers up to 10.
PEDAGOGIC AIMS
- Build knowledge with numbers: Count numbers from 1 to 10, the sequence of the numbers and know their value.
- Learn basic mathematical operations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Lean to understand terms such as "more/less" or "plus/minus"
- Develop fine motor skills in making the abacus mice.
MATERIAL AND RESOURCES
- Handicraft corrugated cardboard, 50 x 70 cm for each mouse:
- Bending plush, thin, 2 x 4 cm (ears), 1 x 30 cm (tail)
- Wooden bead in black, 8 mm diameter
- 10 wooden beads in two different colours 12 or 15 mm diameter, e.g. 5 in red, 5 in yellow
- 2 half-eyes in black, 3 to 6 mm diameter, alternatively: hole-punch, coloured paper leftovers in black, UHU stic or felt-tip pen in black
- Ruler and wood slat
- Pencil, scissors
- UHU All Purpose Adhesive solvent free
- Small spray cans cover, clothes peg, rubber ring, toothpick
PREPARATIONS
- Cut a long triangle over the length (70 cm) of a corrugated board: On the short side of the board, measure 7 cm, draw a diagonal line up to the corner and cut.
- For the next triangle, mark a horizontal line, cut out the form etc.
- For the ears, cut bending plush into 4 cm long pieces.
- Make an abacus mouse to present to people.