Hobbies And Interests
Random Recognition
The first step in teaching kids the numbers is to teach them how to recognize them. For example, start with a game by passing out numbers on cards to the kids, and drawing those numbers from a hat. When the number is called, show that number first and say it to let the child with the card recognize the numbers. Eventually, stop showing the number and simply call out the name. When the number has been called, it's that child's turn in the game.
The Fold Game
In the fold game, the first player draws something in the top-most inch or two. The player then folds the paper over, leaving only the bottom lines of the drawing exposed. He then passes this to the next player to add her short contribution. Pre-fold the paper and pass out numbers to kids. When someone's number is called, he gets to draw on the drawing, in just his space. Tell the kids to draw part of a man.
Parts On the Board
Pass out numbers again and have kids come to a board or easel. Draw a stick figure out and assign each part of the body a number, zero through nine. For example, the head is zero, the upper left arm is one, and the lower left arm is two. When a kid's number is called, either randomly or in order, she comes to the board and draws that part of the body. Call the numbers until the kids have drawn the man.
Join the Dots
One of the quickest ways to illustrate the order of numbers is with join-the-dots. In a join-the-dots puzzle, connecting the dots at random will create a random, jumbled picture. However, connecting the dots in order will create a picture, such as a man. Create a simple stick drawing of a man, and then draw 10 dots around that image to make an outline. Number the dots in order, and then erase the picture. Challenge kids to put the numbers in order to draw the picture.