Now I know my 1 2 3 s...

Write Your Numbers!

My super-heroes are not big fans of writing.

So I am always looking out for ways to make it more fun, and do "super-writing" worthy of Spiderman and Batman.

How many ways can you write your numbers?

This post is about numbers. But of course, it applies to just plain old writing, for numbers, letters, shapes, and all the fun ways to do it. I think we tend to focus more on writing our letters, than numbers. In defense of the letters, I understand there is more of them.
After all, there is no uppercase and lowercase numbers, but nonetheless, this post is dedicated to numbers.

Drill your numbers!

There are some awesome ideas out there to tempt even the most reluctant "writers". They generously gave me permission to link back to their posts. Give it a spin...

• Tried and tested - write it out :) You write the numbers, they trace over it. Rockabye Butterfly shows us how to trace over with Q-tips. While you are there, don't forget to check out the fun way to learn about number words!
  

  

  Rockabye Butterfy - Number Words

  
  
• Trace - sandpaper numbers, or other tactile numbers. 

Trace it, then write it...

• Play at Home Mom shows us how to make fantastic squishy bags! Make sure you play with them a while before passing it on to the kiddos :)
  
  
• Read a book with sensory numbers, like this book with large grooved numbers, and trace them!

  

  Books with large grooved numbers to trace

• Go with the staples. Fun worksheets, wipe-off cards! I have the Kumon workbooks, and the Flash Cards. I like using the Dry Erase Crayons with the flash cards! Just wipe it off with a damp paper towel when you are done!

  

  Worksheets

  

  Wipe-off Flash Cards

  
  

• Make them with bingo markers, or Do-A-Dot markers! You can find tons of free printables online. The one shown here is from a book made to go with the dot markers.

Numbers with Bingo Markers

• Or for a fun twist, use the same sheets with flat pebbles backed with magnetic strip and a baking tray. Or let the kids wing it!
  

  

  Magnetic numbers!

• Write it on paper, chalkboard, sidewalks. Write with pencils, crayons, markers, paints, chalks, finger paints, window crayons, puff paints! Here is a very fun twist on writing on the chalkboard from Kingdom First Homeschool.

  

  Kingdom First Homeschool - Writing on chalkboard!

• Write in on the shower stall after a steamy bath! Write it in the shaving cream. Write it in the sand tray, or in sugar, cornmeal. Here is a fun twist on the sand tray from Teach Preschool.

  

  Teach Preschool - Feather and Sand

• Shape it out - with pipe cleaners, tooth picks, craft pieces, play-doh, pebbles, shells... Cut out the various curves and lines from felt, and ask your number-expert to put it together!!

• How about with nails and hammer? Play at Home Mom shows us how.
  
  

  

  Play at Home Mom - Nails and Hammers

•  How about making them with play dough? Use these awesome Number Play dough Mats from Homeschool creations.

  

  Homeschool Creations - Playdough Mats

  
  
• How do you write a 3? Go around the tree (from "Everyday Snapshots") of course!

  

  Everyday Snapshots - Write a 3!
  

  Some numbers are trickier than others. Here is a wonderful post on how to teach kids to write number 5 from "Teach Mama".
  
  

  

  Teach Mama - Write 5!

  
  
• For those who already know their numbers, reinforce with these fun ideas. Build some fine motor skills along the way...


• Ask them to make you a number on the peg board. For those not comfortable making it on their own, take a picture of your effort (or older siblings), print it out as a pattern, and then ask them to make their own.
  
  

  

  Peg Board Number Fun

• Let them "Drill" their numbers with this board, pun intended!

  

  Screw and drill board number practice

• How about rubber bands and geo-boards?

Rubber band and Geo board number fun

• Or droplets of water on a suction mat? Or beads on the fuse mat?

How do you practice your numbers (& letters, shapes...)? Let us know!

Linked up to:
Montessori Monday, Monday Kid Corner, Tuesday Tots, and After School Link Up