Math Lesson: What Number Now?
1. Gather some cubes or other small objects and a cloth or something that can cover the objects.
2. Remind your child that they have played this game before. "During the game, I will show you a number of cubes, and then we will count them together. After we have counted the cubes, I will cover them and either add or subtract cubes before removing the cover and showing them to you again. When I reveal the cubes again, you'll get to tell me how many there are now by saying the total number of cubes."
3. Begin by showing your child seven cubes. Then, together, count the total number of cubes aloud. Point to the cubes and say, "How many cubes in all? That's right; there are seven cubes in all." Ask your child to say again the number of cubes there are.
4. Cover the cubes with the cloth, and then hold up one more cube and say, "Look!" as you place it under the cloth. Ask your child to say how many cubes are under the cloth now.
5. Ask your child to lift the cloth. Then have them count the cubes again to check their answer.
6. Re-cover the cubes and add or subtract one or two cubes, making sure your child sees you add or remove the cubes. Ask your child to say how many cubes there are in all, then lift the cloth and have your child count aloud.
7. Repeat the process with more or fewer cubes for as long as interest and time allows.