Listen for a Number

Materials

colorful plastic eggspermanent markerpopcorn kernelstransparent tape

Instructions

1. Use a permanent marker to print the numerals 1 to 10 on each plastic egg.

2. Create a rhythm instrument called a shaker egg with the children, and then have some fun using the shaker egg to improve their counting and number recognition skills.

3. Help each child count out 10 to 20 kernels.

4. Give each child a plastic egg. Ask them to open the egg, place the kernels inside one half of an egg, and put the egg back together.

5. Help them seal their eggs tightly by taping the seam.

6. Encourage the children to explore the noises their eggs make, as well as the eggs of the children around them.

7. Once the children are familiar with the sounds of their eggs, tell them they are going to play a number game. Ask them to listen carefully as you say various words. If they hear a number word, they shake their eggs.

8. Recite a list of familiar words to the children, inserting number words every now and then. For example: swing set, ball, five, blocks, two, mom, seven, three, tree, leaves, ketchup, six, and so on.

9. After several minutes, invite one child to lead the game by naming words.

10. Keep the shaker eggs handy for other rhythm activities.More to doMusic: Invite the children to use their shaker eggs to keep the beat while you play their favorite marching or counting song.