Activity 3

Numbers That Name Things

Sometimes a number is a name. For example, you might know someone who lives in apartment 205. We use the number 205 to name the apartment, but it is not a counting number. Usually there are not 205 apartments in one building. The “2” tells us the apartment is on the second floor, and the “5” tells us which apartment it is. 205 helps us name the apartment so it is different from any other apartment in the building.

Your child can get to know some numbers that name things long before he can count very far.

TV channels
What’s the number of his favourite cartoon channel? Let him find the number on the remote and press it. When vme for him to play quietly so YOU can have some quiet time, let him find the channel for your favourite show. Let him press the button on the remote and get everything fixed up for you.

Bus routes
What’s the number of the bus you take home? Show her the number, and show her where to find it on the bus. Then let her watch all the buses come by until she finds the one that will take you home. This is an important job.

Floors of buildings
Are you waiting for an elevator? Watch the numbers above the elevator change as the elevator comes to get you. Count them down, or up. Once you’re inside, let him press the button that will send the elevator to where you want to go. Watch the numbers above the door as you ride up or down, so you’ll know when to get out.

Phone numbers
reach most of the time.) Teach her about 9-1-1. Who knows when she’ll need it? Teach her to call home. When she’s a teenager, you’ll be glad she calls.

Addresses
Teach him his own address. If he’s lost, or calling 9-1-1, he’ll need it.