Colors, shapes and numbers are abstract concepts that require repeated teaching for preschool and kindergarten children to recall them. However, rather than rely merely on flashcards or other rote teaching strategies, you can use rich, diverse experiences that appeal to children's learning styles. By using such techniques, you keep your children motivated, focused and happy during the learning process. Further reinforcement activities help children transfer the new information learned from short-term to long-term memory.
Step 1
Create situations that allow children to explore shapes, numbers and colors. Most children will naturally gravitate to mathematical activities such as stacking blocks, building with Legos, counting objects, sorting manipulatives or creating patterns.
Step 2
Give children vocabulary for the concepts they explore. As they stack blocks, talk about the different colors, the number of blocks and the shapes they build. Learning theorist Howard Gardner recommends challenging learners with a kinesthetic or logical task, such as extending a pattern or constructing a different shape.
Step 3
Help children record their mathematical discoveries. Have them draw a stack of blocks or use colors to recreate a pattern they made with math manipulatives. Discuss the drawing by using mathematical terms and naming colors, shapes and numbers.
Step 4
Note real-world examples of math. Math curriculum expert Marilyn Burns stresses the importance of pointing out the mathematical possibilities in everyday tasks, such as counting change or the number of teaspoons of sugar needed in a cake recipe.
Step 5
Appeal to children's multiple learning styles by incorporating songs, music, dances, games and art activities that center around learning numbers, shapes and colors.
Tips and Warnings
- Counting, color and shape books fascinate many young children. Children can use them to make connections between mathematical activities and mathematical concepts illustrated in books.
- Support children's learning without over-correcting them, which can inhibit them.
Things You'll Need
- Manipulatives
- Everyday objects
- Paper
- Crayons
