Paper Bag Number Book, An Early Writing Activity

This week we are focusing on learning the numbers 0-4. This activity combines many concepts into a fun interactive, DIY kid-made book with a focus on writing.

Geared for early childhood classrooms and homes, this paper bag number book is geared toward and can be adapted for kids ages 3-7.

Paper Bag Number Book, An Early Writing Activity

Learning Objectives:

Writing: Use phonetic spelling to write the words for the selected objects.

Math: Write the number of objects and numeral for each number word.

Materials Needed:

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• 3 Paper lunch bags
•  Blank Index Cards
• Scissor
• Stapler
• Pencils

Directions on how to make and assemble the paper bag number book.

For the adult to make:

1. Keep the 3 Paper lunch bags folded.  Cut the bottom of the bag off.
2. Stack the bags on top of each other. Fold in half.
3. Staple along the folded edge.  A solid stapler will work better than my mini one as you are stapling though many layers.
4. Then, cut the blank index cards to fit inside each paper bag “pocket.” Mine only needed a little bit off the edge to slide in.
5. Write the title of the book on the top page. 0-4 Number Book.
6. Write the words for the numbers: zero, one, two, three, four on the fronts of the remaining pages.

For the child to make.

1. Read the number words.
2. Have them write the numeral on the note card and draw a picture to represent that many objects. (let them choose! If they need a prompt, encourage them to think of shapes.)
3. Then, have them write the word for the object they chose. We say the word s-l-o-w-l-y and listen for the sounds.

Hearts = hrts
Race-car = Raskr
Apples = aplz
Triangle = TRiNgls

This is often referred to as inventive spelling and is a GOOD THING. We are focusing on the ability to communicate thoughts and ideas through letters on a page, not correct spelling for this activity.

The above pictures are from my son, whom I would consider a reluctant learner.  He was excited about this writing activitiy because

• he had the choice of what he wanted to draw and write about
• it involved numbers and he is more confident in math.
• the pull out pages are a lot of fun and make writing a little more interesting.
• the activity was challenging, but I stayed beside him to help sound out words
• he received immediate positive feedback on his inventive spelling.

“WOW, you wrote the word apple.” I said, pointing at his letters apl.  
“You could read that mom?” he appeared stunned.
“Yes, I could.  I looked at the letters and said the sounds they made in my head. Well done.” I replied.

For younger children: Have them sound out and write the first letter.
For older children: Encourage them to use known work patterns, the word wall, or dictionary to assist in correct spellings of unknown words.

MORE Hands-on, Playful ways to teach the numbers 0-5 with these activities from the Early Childhood Education Team.

Establishing REAL RELATIONSHIPS with NUMBERS in Preschool! by The Preschool Toolbox Blog

Gross Motor Number Line by Still Playing School 

How many gems am I holding?  Pre-K and Kinder Guessing Game From 0 to 5 by Capri + 3

How Many? 0 to 5 Number Pattern Recognition by Rainy Day Mum

Free Counting to 5 Game: Construction Theme by Life Over C’s

I Spy Activity by Munchkins and Moms

Learning Numbers on Alphabet Road by Mom Inspired Life

Counting Cars Numbers 0-5 Book by Learning 2 Walk

Segmenting Words: Clap Counting by Growing Book by Book