For toddlers, learning numbers is an essential skill — so essential that you don't want to turn your child off to the numbers game by boring them to tears. Good news: learning their 1, 2, 3s can be a lot of fun — for kids and parents. As proof, check out these fun crafts that teach kids how to count, match numerals with quantities, and more of the cornerstones of mathematics.
The best thing about these crafts? They can all be made out of items lying around your house, from toilet paper tubes to gloves. Plus these activities and games are so much fun, your kids will soak up numbers without even trying.
Have you ever imagined using Magna-Tiles that way?
Image via And Next Comes L
The Clothespin Counting Game
The set-up for this clothespins counting game is as simple as the premise: Gather some clothespins and some foam numbers, then challenge your child to clip the correct number of clothespins on each. Kids get to practice their fine motor skills along with their numbers.
The Marble Tube Numbers Game
Learning numbers gets a whole lot more exciting when your kids get to roll marbles around! Plus this marble tube numbers game is made out of toilet paper tubes; no doubt you've got plenty of those.
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DIY Number Matching Cards
Why buy number matching cards when you can create your own? This fun template from blogger Seven Thirty Three challenges kids to match the number on the dog's collar with the right number of dots on the bones.
Finger-counting Gloves
Kids use their fingers to count … so why not take that one step further with finger-counting gloves? Just sew or attach 1-10 buttons, beads, or other objects onto each finger of an old glove.
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Connect-the-numbers Heart
This numbers craft is a cross between heart lacing and connect the dots: Kids learn the numbers 1-20 while also practicing their fine motor skills — and creating a cute craft, too.
Make Magna-Tiles Dominoes
Just about all kids go nuts for Magna-Tiles, so they're a prime toy to upgrade into homemade Magna-Tiles dominoes! These markings (made with a dry erase marker) turn these fun toys into powerful counting tools.
DIY Counting Board Game
This homemade counting board game gets kids tallying up numbers as they move their bugs from start to finish. You can do 1-10, 10-20, or (with a long sheet of paper!) all the way to 100! And it's a snap to make the board at home.
Ladybug Counting Craft
This fun counting/matching game challenges kids to match numbered circles with the correct number dots on the back of a ladybug. Plus it's easy to make at home: All you need is construction paper and a glue stick, and you're good to go.
Caterpillar Counting Craft
This caterpillar counting craft is simple enough for even the youngest toddler. How to play: list the numbers 1-10 on circles of paper. Then your kid glues the correct number or pom-poms behind each circle. Add some googly eyes to the circle, and you've got a cute little caterpillar!
Water Balloon Target Practice
This water balloons target practice game is perfect for summer: Just create a dart-like board on the pavement filled with various numbers. Then your kids just need to aim and fire!
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