Over the past few weeks, as the reality of distance education for the long haul has set in, I haven’t been able to quiet the “teacher voice” inside my head… She’s a persistent lady that keeps reminding me how important learning aids made with the proper “Grade 1 font” are for little ones. And although there is an abundance of wonderful FREE printables, few are made using this font.

So I’m kicking off a series of new FREE PRINTABLES

No emails or any type of sign-ups required. Just click and download. I’ve also kept the designs in black and white to save on ink and to give “little future artists” a fun extra activity to enjoy.

First up, number flash cards 1-20

Flash Cards aren’t just a way of introducing numbers. There are actually loads of clever ways to use this basic learning aid. Our sets include the following for each number:

• number name
• number
• the amount represented as a collection of familiar items
• the amount represented in dots

This helps little ones understand that “1” can be represented in a variety of ways but die value stays the same.

Use the flash cards as-is or cut each one out, introducing the amount from concrete to abstract idea.

dot – bear – number – number name

Some flash cards have collections of familiar items that all look exactly the same but that may differ slightly in size like the butterflies shown for the number “11”. The butterflies may vary in size BUT it is still a collection of butterflies.

Others show a collection of items that differs slightly like the number “12” but it sill illustrates a collection of the same items; fish.

This was done intentionally to bring in a little more variety and to engage the minds of our little ones just a little more. (Don’t underestimate them.)

Introduce numbers 1-5, then 1-10 and lastly 1-20.

First up, introduce the amount represented by the dot representation by including counters (beans, lego, popcorn, playdough etc, anything you have) and place the right amount onto the dots, counting aloud as you add them.

Next, let’s make pairs by grouping together the same amounts. Look for the number. Show your little one what each number looks like. Let them trace the number with their fingers, build it using blocks or even more counters.

Then show then that the number can also be written as a word eg. “1” and “one”. Once again the number name can also be traced and made in various ways.

Lastly, add the flashcards showing an item of the same amount eg. “1 bear”. Ask your little on how many bears they can count?

Place all the cards together and discuss the many representations of the number “1”.

* Take one number a day or week depending on your little one’s age and ability.

* Laminate your flash cards for extended use.

Games to play: Print a set of 2 for a friendly game of SNAP. (I used the 4 per page layout). Having a set also works well as a DIY memory match game.

Maths concepts learned: 

– 1-to-1 correspondence

– Ordering

– Comparing

– Number recognition and symbols

– Counting

– Sets and classifying

– Problem-solving

– Language development

Extra fun: Colour the flash cards or buy a set of dot stickers to stick onto the dot flashcards as an additional fine motor activity. Remember to count the dots as you stick.

• Download Number flash cards 1 to 20 HERE
• Vind die Afrikaanse nommer flitskaarte 1 tot 20 HIER
• Dipalo 1-20 Sesotho

• Vula lamakhadi anezinombolo zesizulu lapha

* Thank you Black Mom Chronicles and Nhlanhla  Simphiwe Mthembu for helping me translate these.

Practice counting and number recognition

Now that your child is familiar with the flash cards and can “read” the value represented, why not have some fun putting their knowledge to the test?

Included in this printable is a fishbowl and 2 sets of fish:

– A dark minimalist design for easy cutting and no colouring.

– And also an alternative set that can be decorated.

(The second set may require mom or dad’s help when cutting out the fish.)

How to play:

Depending on your child’s age, use either of the flash cards (number name, number, or dot representation – or do a mix). Lay the cards facedown next to the fishbowl. Let your little one flip over a card, placing it in the rectangle at the bottom of the fishbowl. Now he/she needs to add the corresponding amount of fish to the bowl.

* Laminate your bowl and fish for extended use.

Main maths concepts learned:

– Number recognition and symbols

– Counting

– Sets and classifying

– Problem-solving

Extra fun: Use fish-shaped crackers for a fun play and snack alternative or slide a paperclip onto your fish. Attach a magnet to a string and make a little fishing rod. Challenge those fine motor skills by “fishing” for the correct amount and placing your catch into the fishbowl.

Advanced use: Print a set of bowls, even 3 or 4 and let the kids all play together. Print up to 20 (or more) bowls and make a new “fishy” themed number line. As your little ones get older and know the numbers and how to write the number names – let them write in their own amount and draw in the fish.

• Download “How many fish in the bowl” activity HERE
• Vind “Hoeveel visse in die bak” aktiwiteit HIER

From concrete to abstract…

Let your little one explore each number in a variety of ways. Over and over again. Strengthening those neuron pathways to form a lasting number sense from which all future math learning can grow.

How to play:

Once again, depending on your child’s age, use either of the flash cards (number name, number, or dot representation – or do a mix). Lay the cards facedown. Let your little one flip over a card, placing it in “say it” frame.

Now he/she needs to say the number aloud. Next, have counters ready – any you have – and place the corresponding amount in the “count it” frame.

Then make that amount in the “make it” frame. Use playdough, buttons, rocks, leaves, paint, mud, flour, spaghetti, smarties etc. Make it something fun!

Lastly, write either the number symbol or the name (or both) in the “write it” frame using a pencil or whiteboard marker if laminated.

Maths concepts learned:

– 1-to-1 correspondence

– Number recognition and symbols

– Counting

– Sets and classifying

– Problem-solving

– Language development

• Download the “Let’s learn numbers” activity HERE
• Vind die “Kom ons leer van getalle” aktiwiteit HIER

Finally, let’s get writing!

These are pretty much self-explanatory and should be used last after your little one understand the number(s) introduced. They do however enjoy completing these “just like the big kids do”.

Maths concepts learned:

– Number recognition and symbols

– Counting

– Problem Solving

– 1-to-1 Correspondence

– Language (writing)

Extra fun:

Write the number name with paint, crayons, glue and salt/glitter/sand. How about play dough or rice grains?

Do the same when colouring the dots. Fingerpainting them actually works great.

Make this a fun and interesting activity every time until finally only sticking to pencil.

• Download “Lets practice numbers 1 to 10” HERE
• Vind die “Ons oefen nommers 1 tot 10” HIER

Extras!

Use these minimalist numbers and tracing cards for very young learners. Print in various sizes. Paint them, put them under a transparent container, add some salt and practice number formation using a brush or your fingers. Shape the numbers using flowers, playdough, seeds, peddles. Drive over each number following the direction of formation with a little toy car. The possibilities are endless!

• Numbers 0 to 9

• Numbers 0 to 9 tracing cards

May these FREE number flash cards and all the other resources shared, come in handy, especially during lockdown. And if you’re still looking for a home printer, remember to check out our Epson Eco Tank review too (simply click HERE) – these cartridge-free new generation printers are phenomenal!

Next, I’ll be sharing how to best introduce early writing and the A, B, C’s. Be sure to leave me a comment letting me know what other resources you are struggling to find for free online.

• Grade 1 font available to purchase at http://www.edu-aid.co.za/