A Week of Math for our Non-verbal 3 Year Old

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Did you know math is more than just numbers, graphs and addition?? Math is actually the science that deals with how things are shaped, arranged and the quantity that takes.

When looking at math with this new perspective we found SEVERAL activities for our 3 year old to complete.

Our typical math week includes a number, color, shape and some sort of sorting activities.

This week we are working on the color green, the number 3 and the diamond! Here is what our breakdown looks like:

Monday:

Playdough Number Line- We use this for both a sensory tool and number recognition. We line little balls of playdough up on the number line (1-5 for my little) and then count “1, 2, 3, 4, 5” by pushing down on each ball of playdough. If your little is more advanced you could have them identify the number by pressing down on the playdough or pick up the “ball 3” and put it back in the container for a clean up activity (my favorite activities!)

Shape Popsicle Stick– For this activity you just need popsicle sticks and velcro dots. I think I used a total of 3 velcro dots and adjusted them so that Maxwell had to use four sticks to create a diamond. We do this with all our straight edged shapes!

Green Lacing– Because the color of the week is green, we grabbed our lacing beads from our STEM center and practiced just lacing the green ones. Each time Maxwell placed a bead on the string I would state, “green” to help reinforce his colors.

Tuesday:

Dot the Diamond– Maxwell LOVES to use the dotter so we use one every chance that we get. We simply printed off a hallow picture of a diamond and he stamped the inside. It was a huge hit. Below are the type of dotter that we use. Click on the picture below to get your own set!

Color Sorting Activity– We have the sorting birds listed below. There are six different colors that come with set, however, this is too advanced for my child so we pick two or three different colors and focus on those for one week. We LOVE color sorting!

Color the Number 3– Activities do not always, if ever, have to be elaborate. Today we colored the number 3. I didn’t even print off a pretty symmetrical number 3, I drew one on construction paper and they colored it in. Mama, you do not always have to go over the top. Sometimes, less is better.

Wednesday:

Playdough Number Line– There are several activities throughout the week that we rotate and our play dough number line is one of them! Works so many skills so quickly.

Green Lacing– Again, another repeat. I find that sometimes this makes table time easier at my home if the boys know what to expect, so we try to repeat a couple of the activities. Below is the lacing beads that we use. We have had them for a couple years and they are still in great shape! We LOVE Melissa and Doug toys!

Diamond Collage– This is a great fine motor activity. We used a marker to draw a diamond on a piece of construction paper and cut up small diamonds for the boys to glue on. My boys are still warming up to glue, so this was a process.

Thursday:

Diamond Popsicle Stick– Repeat! We use these velcro dots for EVERYTHING!

Color Sorting– Although we use the birds because we have them on hand, there are several other color sorting activities that you can find on amazon that may be more appropriate for younger children.

Dot the 3– Like I said, they love the dotter. What can I say?

Friday:

Fridays are typically our activity and field trip day. We usually make a craft, do a science experiment and use this day to go to the zoo, science center etc.

One thing however, that we do use everyday is our sensory bin! We make one each week with the “color of the week,” and I usually have Max play in it while Vincent is finishing his Language Arts book work. This is a great independent play activity that still gives them exposure to colors, IF you aren’t afraid of a mess…

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