1, 2, 3...go!

1, 2, 3...go!

Activities for toddlers and babies

A theme that will introduce your group to numbers 1, 2, and 3, while providing children with several opportunities to move and count.

AREA SETUP

Numbers everywhere
Print or cut out 1's, 2's and 3's galore. Hang them from the ceiling, display them on the walls, and use adhesive paper to stick some on the floor.

ROUTINES AND TRANSITIONS

3 coloured apples
At snack time, set three apples on the table: a red one, a green one, and a yellow one. Name the color of each apple. Count the apples with your group before slicing them and sharing the apple slices among the children in your group.

At three, I get dressed
Depending on the ages of the children in your group, encourage them to get dressed to go outside by adding an extra clothing item every time you count to 3. For example, you can say, "1, 2, 3... put your hat on!"

SENSORY ACTIVITIES (look)

Picture book for diaper changes
Print a number 3 and use adhesive paper to display it on the wall, next to your changing table. You will find printable numbers in the educatall club. Next to the number 3, add pictures or illustrations containing three items: 3 babies, 3 birds, 3 toys, etc. During diaper changes, point to the number 3 and count the objects.

SENSORY ACTIVITIES (look and touch)

Discovering thee objects
Set several different containers on the floor throughout your daycare. For example, you may use small gift boxes or gift bags. Deposit three objects in each container: 3 musical instruments, 3 books, 3 balls, etc. Invite children to walk or crawl from one container to the next to discover the objects. Count them together.

ARTS & CRAFTS

Three paint colors
Deposit a small quantity of three different colors of poster paint on a piece of paper. Select three colors that are easy to mix together, such as two primary colors and white paint. Count and name the colors with your group. Let children explore the paint colors. They will enjoy mixing the three colors together.

MORAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

1, 2, 3...peek-a-boo!
Play peek-a-boo games with your group to help children develop object permanence and help them practice being patient. You will need light blankets or scarves. Have fun hiding your face with the fabric, counting to three, and removing the fabric as you say "peek-a-boo" over and over again.

COGNITIVE ACTIVITIES

Puppets and three fingers
For this activity, you will need several finger puppets. Raise three fingers. As children watch, slide one finger puppet over each finger, counting them as you go. Invite older toddlers to do the same.

Three little kittens
Print pictures of three kittens. Laminate them and display them on a wall at children's eye level. Count the kittens with the children in your group and sing the "Three little kittens" song.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MOTOR SKILLS

1, 2, 3...go!
Encourage babies and toddlers to be active and move about by saying, "1, 2, 3...go!" Every time they hear you say "go", they must either clap their hands, jump, dance or run to the other end of the room according to your instructions.

LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES

Goldilocks and the three bears
Read this popular story to your group and use it to explore numbers 1, 2, and 3. Count the three bowls, three chairs, three beds, etc. Afterwards, print coloring pages related to the story and invite children to color the three bears. Cut out the bears and display them on a wall, in groups of three.

Chantal Millette
Early childhood educator

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