At some point every child connects a written number to an actual amount of things, and clip cards are a great way to practice that. Your toddler counts the objects, then clips the matching number.
At some point we all learn that there is a connection between a written number (a symbol) and an amount (a specific number of objects). To adults it seems obvious. Of course 1 means one thing. But, to a toddler or preschooler this can be confusing. The connection between a written number and an amount of objects must be taught. This can definitely seem like a daunting task, but using clip cards makes it easy.
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These apple clip cards are from my Toddler Curriculum. I laminated them with my home laminator. I definitely recommend laminating the clip cards (or at least covering them with clear contact paper) if you will be using them with math links or clothespins. Otherwise, it’s nice, but not completely necessary.
Side Note: I call these clip cards because they are cards that I clip clothespins to. We actually use math links with them more often than clothespins. They are also often called number cards in various preschool packs. And now, on to the good stuff. Teaching numbers isn’t hard with these 5 fun and easy activities.
Teaching Numbers with Glass Gem Number Dots
I made these glass gem number dots when I made my Flat Marble Alphabet. I made these the same way, but instead of using letters, I just cut out circles the same size as the glass gems and then drew dots on the paper with a sharpie.
The rest of the instructions are in the flat marble alphabet post. To use these with clip cards, just match the glass gem with the correct number of dots to the clip card with that number on it.
Teaching Numbers with Beads
This is another way to use clip cards that really works on fine motor skills The smaller the beads, the more it develops fine motor skills. This is one that even toddlers can do. Just have your child put the correct number of beads on each clip card.
Teaching Numbers with Erasers
I got a package of pencil topper erasers a few years ago and I have so many of them, I’m always looking for ways to use them. They work great for clip cards because they are big (great for little hands) and they have some weight to them so they stay in place on the clip cards. Just have your child put the correct number of erasers on each clip card.
Bonus: Teaching Numbers with Math Links
Our favorite way to use clip cards is with math links. I got the idea from Confessions of Homeschooler so she deserves full credit. To use the math links, just use a hole punch to punch a hole in each clip card. Then, have your child link the correct number of math links to each clip card.
Bonus: Numerical Order
The last way we typically use clip cards is by putting them in numerical order. Once they are in order, you can practice counting out loud with your child. This is a great way to help your child see the connection between the number symbol and the number name.
Want more counting ideas? Visit our how to teach numbers page for everything in one spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age do toddlers learn to count?
Most toddlers start reciting numbers around age 2 and begin really counting objects around age 3. Numbers usually come a little after letters.
My toddler can count to 10 but can’t count objects. Is that normal?
Totally normal. Reciting numbers comes first. Counting actual objects one at a time clicks around age 3, and understanding that the last number means ‘how many’ comes around 4 or 5.
How do I teach one-to-one counting?
Have your toddler touch each object as they say the number out loud. That is what connects the number words to real amounts.