Materials
- blue felt
- scissors (adult only)
- large number cards
- rainy day sounds CD
- child's umbrella
Preparation
- Cut 10 puddle shapes from blue felt. Display the puddles randomly about the game area.
- Display a large number card near each puddle.
What to Do
1. Turn on the rainy day sounds CD and ask the children to listen to the sounds of rain.
2. Invite one child to open up the umbrella.
3. Ask the selected child to step from puddle to puddle as the rest of the class watches and identifies the number near each puddle.
4. After the child has stepped in several puddles, he may hand the umbrella to another child.
5. Repeat the activity several times.
6. As an extension, make the materials available for the children to use independently during free time.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
- Invite each child to hop from puddle to puddle. Can he identify the numbers?
- Place an assortment of number cards inside a folded umbrella. Invite a child to open the umbrella so the number cards spill out onto the floor. Can the child set the umbrella up on the floor and place the number cards in order from 1 to 5 or 1 to 10 beneath the umbrella?
-Mary J. Murray, Mazomanie, WI
