I have a preschool age question: Pre-math

[Treece]

Ok, my son is 3 yo. I made him some number folders (currently 1-3). Anyway, I am sorta stuck on number 4. I don't know if I should make the 4 like a typed 4 or a handwritten 4. You can vote and if you would like, please explain. I am not sure. I sometimes write it like it is typed and sometimes "straight sided". I know it isn't a big deal, but I don't really know which is "better".

KWIM?

[mrsfrenchy]

Can I ask how you're using the number folders?  I have a 2.5 year old that's really interested in numbers right now (but still finds them tricky to remember).  So I'm always looking for ideas.

[Treece]

Yeah, no prob.

I got the idea from a book.......IDK where it is right now.......But no matter.

Using a file folder (one without folders is what I used, but I made folders in it)

I used regular yarn (it suggested thick yarn) and glued the number shape really big on the front. On the Back, I put the "domino" shape of the number (1 big dot for one). Let those dry. On the inside, put the number and shape again. Let those dry. On the folder pockets wrote out the word in lower case (one, two, three). I put the correct number of pieces of yarn, same color, approx 3-4 inches. I also put photos from magazines with appropiate numbers onto some of the folder pieces (card stock would work). I again wrote the number word. The only problem here is that my son looks at the picture and identifies the object.

All I do is lay them out and he plays with them. I pick them up and put them away. But we've stagnated at 3 and not sure how I should do 4........ He does enjoy them and I honestly think that (other than my choice of photos) he has learned a little.

When I find the book, I will post it.

[Treece]

I may be able to post photos of what I made for a better aide. Not now, its bedtime here.

[MommaCrystal]

I find the typed like 4 ends up looking more like a 9 so I don't use it.  That and I wanted to stick to what style our handwriting program uses. 

[greenemami]

I use the straight-sided four because...well, that is how I write it :) She does get a big confused when she sees the typed 4 (I printed out some dot-to-dots from online and it came out that way, whereas the book of dot-to-dots we bought used the straight-sided four) She is turning 4 soon though, so I think she'll figure it out soon enough as she is a bit obsessed with her age, lol. 

I couldn't decide what to do about "a" on this same note-somewhere along the line I started writing it like it is typed, but was teaching her the circle with the line way since that seems to be the classic way to do it.  I also cross my 7's and have had to adjust to the "normal" way for her.  It's the little things we struggle with, lol :)

[Treece]

The little things. I used to write my "a" like it's typed also. I figure the regular a is fine. Since most everyone writes it that way. I don't know why I obessesed (how is it spelled?) over the 4.......

[scheelimama]

I would do the regular handwritten 4, because that's how I've always written it and most handwriting/math programs (for the handwriting the numbers portion) teach it that way.  However, despite me always writing it the regular way and all the handwriting practice, my 6 yr old always writes hers as a typewritten 4.  She likes things fancy, so she started writing it the "fancy" way nearly a year ago now.  So, in the end, it probably doesn't really matter that much.  If written properly, it doesn't look too much like a 9, but if written sloppy, then certainly, it could.  I don't have any trouble reading my 6 yr old's numbers.  But my 7 yr old who writes her 4 the regular way, I have trouble reading several of her numbers.  It all depends on the child, which you can't even know at this point.  I wouldn't stress about it.

[AAK]

I vote for the handwritten four.  

If you really are worried about it, then you could include examples of both within the folder, couldn't you?

Amy

[onyxravnos]

I also vote the hand written 4 as that is how most people write it. Just like letters there are several different was to write them but once you know an A is an A is an A it's not so complicated to explain slight differences.
Whatever you choose just be consistent.

[leighi123]

I use a 4 thats in-between the handwritten/typed.   The left side slants inwards like the typed, but its open at the top like the handwritten.  Ds recognizes all three versions as the number 4. (typed/handwritten/in-between).    I believe thats how I was taught because thats how I wrote it on school papers I have from when I was in prek.    This is how its written on the kumon write and wipe cards we use as well. 

For lowercase "a", I write it with the ball/stick version, because my handwriting sucks and I cant write the typed version without making a mess!  But he can read now and recognizes the typed 'a'.   I think kids will figure it out whatever you use, just like they eventually figure out that a capital 'A' and a lowercase 'a' are the same letter.   The difference between a typed 4 and a handwritten 4 is even less of a difference. 

[Treece]

I wanted to update with a few things.

1. I found that book: Baby and Toddler Learning Fun by Sally Goldberg, Ph.D. LOTS of great ideas.

2. I have that pic but don't know where to put it online so I can link it for yall.

3. My son already recognizes both "4"s. It's his favorite number, and here I am fretting That's me for ya. lol

Anyway, I haven't made one for 4, it seems kinda pointless, but there is a dd behind ds......

[AAK]

Originally Posted by Treece 

3. My son already recognizes both "4"s. It's his favorite number, and here I am fretting That's me for ya. lol

.

Too funny!