Apple Dot to Dot – Preschool Math Activity

Apple Dot to Dot makes a hands-on preschool math activity

This apple dot-to-dot preschool math activity is a fun way to introduce one-to-one correspondence.

One to one what? I get it. Here we are at the parent/teacher conference, hearing math buzz words that we need to help our children practice at home.

But what exactly is a one-to-one correspondence, and how can I help my child at home?

I am here and happy to help and simplify the confusion.

RELATED: Curious how I spend my day with three little boys? The Startup Guide shares all!

What is the meaning of one-to-one correspondence?

Simply put, one-to-one means the child can match one object to the number name when counting.

It is helpful to touch each object as it is counted.

There is a difference between counting and understanding what the numbers stand for.

Counting is one of the first concepts to master. You will notice that your preschooler can count reasonably early on and that counting has to do with memorization. What is going on with one-to-one correspondence is the quantity.

Quantity understands the concept of how many. My preschooler will match each number name with the apple as he brings his marker along the path. This is also helping with pencil grip. – Yahoo! Double win.

My preschooler is also learning math hands-on! We need to encourage more of this with our early learners.

RELATED: Having open-ended math toys at home help children become stronger problem-solvers and thinkers!

At what age is one-to-one correspondence?

Since I was able to sit with my three-year-old, I could also get some inside scoop on how he thinks as he counts.

But behind the scenes, my three-year-old practicing counting along with holding his marker steady He thought it was hysterical to find loops and changes in the path.

And guess what? He is three. This is what three-year-olds do. Let’s not expect mastery, but provide exposure to holding a marker and feeling it in thier hand.

This is just one of the 50+ Fine Motor Skills activities that we can introduce to our early learners. 

Apple dot-to-dot exposes preschoolers to these important skills.

• Counting
• One-to-one correspondence (touching as he counts)
• Fine motor skills
• Steady hand
• Hand-eye coordination
• Left to right progression
• Prewriting with lines

All of the skills above will slowly build on top of one another to see growth. Allow a little flexibility and listen to how your preschooler thinks.

Supplies

Days with Grey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

• White paper 
• Dot stickers
• Washable markers – my favorite pack! 

Let’s set up this one-to-one correspondence activity!

First, I add a row of dot stickers. Next, I draw stems and a leaf, so the dot sticker begins to look like an apple.

I write the number on each apple and invite my preschooler to connect the dots!

Prompt more math thinking by saying phrases such as:

How old are you? Can you find it on your Apple Dot-to-Dot? Could you show me?

Let’s move our finger from one all the way to the last sticker. We can count together.

Wow, this group has 9 apples, and the green group has 12. Which number is larger?

But that’s not all. We have a few more apple activities that you’ll want to add to your fall activity list! 

• Apple Scoop and Sort
• Apple Pom Pom Color Match
• STEM Apple Challenge

Which apple activity will you try first?