Objective

By the end of this lesson, the toddler will be able to count and recognize numbers up to 5 using truck-related objects and activities.

Materials and Prep

• Toy trucks (at least 5 different ones)
• Construction paper
• Markers or crayons
• Scissors

Before the lesson, cut out five large circles from the construction paper and write the numbers 1 to 5 on each of them.

Activities

1. Truck Counting: Show the toddler the toy trucks and ask them to count how many trucks there are. Encourage them to touch each truck as they count.
2. Number Matching: Lay out the numbered circles on a flat surface. Give the toddler a truck and ask them to match the truck with the corresponding number by placing it on the circle.
3. Truck Race: Line up the trucks and create a race track using markers or crayons on a piece of paper. Ask the toddler to choose two trucks and predict which one will win the race. Let them roll the trucks and see which one reaches the finish line first.
4. Truck Sorting: Provide the toddler with a pile of toy trucks. Ask them to sort the trucks based on their color, size, or type (e.g., dump trucks, fire trucks, etc.). Encourage them to explain their sorting criteria.
5. Truck Patterns: Using the toy trucks, create a simple pattern sequence (e.g., red truck, blue truck, red truck, blue truck). Ask the toddler to continue the pattern by placing the correct truck next in line.

Toddler Grade Talking Points

• "Look at all these cool trucks we have!"
• "Let's count how many trucks we have together."
• "Can you find the circle with the number that matches this truck?"
• "Which truck do you think will win the race?"
• "How can we sort these trucks? Let's put the big ones together and the small ones together."
• "Can you continue the pattern using the trucks?"