
For those out there still using the dot cards: try introducing numbers in many other ways:
Set up stuffed animals, cups, etc. in random order and have them duplicate it with the same number using a different item. "Oh, look, I see ___ animals! Let's feed them, why don't you set out the cups/plates/etc?" or "How many cups will we need?"
We want to always generalize their learning. I talk to my granddaughter when we go for a walk. "This is the bark of the Maple tree. This is the bark of the Birch tree. The bark is like a jacket, it keeps the tree warm." (picking up leaves from different trees): "This is the leaf of the Maple tree". "This is the leave of a Birch tree". "See how different they are?"
She started talking in 3 word sentences last month at 18 months. That has to be because we talk to her about everything- no baby talk in our house!
Remember moms: try to LOVE those kids first. I was so intense and such a perfectionist when I started teaching my son reading and homeschooling him, it is a wonder he even wants to homeschool his daughter. I only had one child so I don't have that chance again. They need to know you love and accept them NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO.
Hugs and great luck with math & reading! :-)
Deveney