Teaching children numbers can be just as simple as using dice. The problem with using smaller dice, though, is that the numbers appear a lot smaller and can be hard for children to see and count. An alternative is to make your own die using items you can find around the house.
When using a jumbo die, children learn and develop:
- Math skills - such as counting, 3D shapes (cube), spatial concepts
- Language - you can use the die as a language cube to have children recognize pictures and build vocabulary
To make your own die/cube you will need:
- A Kleenex box that is cubed shape - leaving it with tissues in it is better, if not make sure it is stuffed with paper to make it heavier.
- Contact paper or wrapping paper
- Packaging tape (if you want it to last longer)
- Stickers, pictures from magazines
First, make sure the tissue box is stuffed with paper or extra tissues to give it some weight. Then using either wrapping paper or contact paper, wrap it completely to cover all sides. Once it is wrapped, you can either apply a layer of packaging tape until it is completely covered or skip this step. After you have finished wrapping it, now it is time to place items on it. Some ideas include:
- Round stickers - to resemble an actual die
- Pictures from magazines - to help build children's vocabulary; change the pictures once a week based on "themes"
- Library pockets/envelopes - to make switching pictures easier
- Pictures of different action movements - For older children, have them roll the die and then complete the action on the cube; such as jumping jacks, hopping, etc.
There are so many extensions and ideas that come from this idea. In my classroom, I have a cube that I often use. We use it to help children choose songs daily, decide how they want to transition from activities, and also during Math games. It also serves as a great tool to help children understand the shape of a cube.
What are some other ideas that you may have?
