Materials
twin bed sheet in a solid color
fabric paints or permanent marker
20 or more colorful plastic or card stock numbers stored in a plastic container
picnic supplies such as plates, bowls, cups, napkins, plastic straws, and plastic silverware
picnic basket
Instructions
Use the fabric paints or markers to write numbers randomly on the sheet.
Let dry.
* Place the materials inside the picnic basket.
What to Do
1. Invite two or more children to carry the picnic basket to an open area of
the classroom.
2. Ask the children to spread out the number blanket and set the picnic basket in
the middle.
3. Encourage the children to remove the tableware from the basket and place the
items on the blanket, getting ready for a picnic.
4. Suggest that the children remove the numbers from the container and place
several on the plates, in the bowls, and in the cups.
5. Invite the children to role-play a picnic as they identify and enjoy a number
picnic.
6. After the children have explored the numbers and the picnic materials,
challenge them to identify numbers on the blanket.
Teacher - to - Teacher Tip
* Remind the children not to let their drinking cups, silverware, or any other
items touch their mouths.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
* Can each child name the numbers on her plate and in her cup?
* Hand a paper plate to each child in the class. Provide each child with a
handful of plastic or card stock numbers. Can each child name the numbers
on her plate?
