Counting: Food NecklacesIf all else fails, try this one. Since we found that kids ate hard macaroni necklaces anyway, we decided to make truly edible necklaces and include counting skills. Objectives Children ages 4-5 years can counts to 10 and answer how many Cog. IIIC
ages 5-6 can write their name FM II
ages 4-4 ½ can count to 5 Cog. IIIC
ages 3-4 can group and count food by attribute Cog. IIIA
and they can cut with a knife SH I
MaterialsFour of the following (or any food that can be strung)—Cheezit crackers, marshmallows, sliced carrots, raisins, cranberries, popcorn, sliced raw string beans, celery—all in separate containers. Appropriate knives; large embroidery needles; heavy duty thread; chart with foods illustrated across top and room for the child's name down the left side. Procedures 1. Have the food put in separate containers. Children can help slice food into string-able pieces. Give each child a needle and thread (knotted at end) and have their string food in whatever order and quantities s/he wants. Discuss, talk about and describe food they are stringing.
2. As they finish, have them go up to the chart and write their name in a space on the left. (Teachers can help younger children by having them trace their names.)
3. Next they look at the top of the chart for the food symbols. They should count the bits of each food (e.g. 6 raisins, 3 crackers) and write or trace the numeral in the same row as their name and under the proper category.
4. If appropriate, the child can then count how many total bits of food are on their necklace, and teacher can enter the numeral in a TOTAL column on the far right of the chart.
5. Teacher ties off necklaces or helps children tie knots. Variation Patterns: Adult can draw (on cards) simple to complex patterns for children to try copying. Children can make patterns on their own necklaces for others to try duplicating. They might want to draw patterns they made themselves. Encourage left to right progression.
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