Numbered Stepping Stones

Chalk stepping stones with a number from 1 to 5 (or to 10) and matching dots are scattered across the playground; children cross the river from stone to stone and on each one do as many jumps as it says. It builds number and quantity recognition along with two-foot jumping.

How to play

1. Before the session, the teacher draws lots of round chalk stones, each with a big number and its dots next to it (1 min).
2. We walk through the river (everything that isn't a stone) reading numbers: "This one is 3, it has three dots!" (2 min).
3. We jump onto a stone and do as many jumps on it as its number, counting out loud, then move on (4 min).
4. The teacher beats the drum and calls a number: everyone finds a stone with that number and jumps there (4 min).
5. Each child picks a favorite stone, stands on it and tells the group its number and how many jumps it takes (2 min).
6. We finish tiptoeing through the river back to the shore without touching any stones (2 min).

Rules

• On each stone, as many jumps as its number.
• If a stone is taken, find another with the same number or wait.
• Jump with feet together and land softly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Child using a wheelchair: rolls up to the stone and claps as many times as its number.
• Blind or low-vision child: stones are hoops on the ground, and a buddy reads the number aloud.
• Children needing more support: can do little steps on the stone instead of jumps.

Learning goals

• Recognize numbers 1 to 5 and the quantity each one means.
• Match the number of jumps to a numeral.
• Improve two-foot jumping.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tizas: 6
• pandero: 1

Teacher tip

Draw several stones for each number so there are no lines. The usual mistake is jumping without counting: have them count out loud and point to the dots.

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