- Counting: The child counted the number of animals in each exhibit.
- Sorting and Classifying: The child sorted the animals based on their characteristics such as size, color, and habitat.
- Measurement: The child estimated the height and length of some of the animals and compared them to their own height and length.
- Patterns: The child observed the patterns on the animals' fur or skin and identified them.
- Geometry: The child identified shapes in the animals' enclosures such as circles in the wheels of a train ride or triangles in the roof of a birdhouse.
After the zoo visit, parents can encourage continued development in math by:
- Playing counting games with everyday objects such as toys or snacks.
- Sorting and classifying objects at home based on different attributes such as color, shape, or size.
- Measuring objects around the house using non-standard units such as paperclips or blocks.
- Looking for patterns in nature or in everyday objects such as clothing or furniture.
- Identifying shapes in the environment such as circles in wheels or squares in windows.