Sorting and Counting

 This activity has several steps.  But it keeps L busy!

Materials:  Pom poms, dice, sorting cups, pickle tongs or tweezers of some kind.

I made this activity sheet and then made copies of it.  You can make one that fits your child's skill level. (I used my do-a-dot paints, a sharpie, and a straight edge to make this sheet.  You could probably make something on your computer, too.) 

L rolled the two dice and then put that number of pom poms into each cup.  He did this only once but you could have your child roll the dice more than that to get a larger number. 

Next he started filling out his chart.  Sort the colors in each cup.  Write the number in the correct box. 

Counting

I then had him add the two columns together.  Cup 1 + Cup 2 for each color.  Then I had him add all the  pom poms together 

There may be lots of steps to this activity, but they all keep L's mind busy.  I like to have some activities that are more involved.

You could also use beads instead of pom poms.

This activity reinforces counting, sorting, one-to-one correspondence, number formation, addition, and fine motor skills.

Popsicle Stick Shapes

 I've seen this activity floating around the internet in several forms.  Here is my take on the activity. 

Materials:  Velcro tabs and colored Popsicle sticks

Press the Velcro tabs onto the Popsicle sticks.  I made each shape a different color.  Write the name of the shape on each Popsicle stick.  Have your child put the Popsicle sticks together to make the shapes.

I only made three basic shapes.  A rectangle is doable, but might be difficult.  You could cut one Popsicle stick in half to make the shorter ends. 

You could also put Velcro tabs on several Popsicle sticks and just let your child build whatever he/she wants! 

This activity reinforces shape recognition and fine motor skills.