This post was contributed by Georgina of Craftulate.
I saw an idea for a parking lot numbers game from Little Family Fun and knew that my son (27 months) would love it.
Make Number Learning Fun with a Car Numbers Game!
But I wanted to make it so that he could also play independently as well as with my interaction.
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How I Made Our Car Parking Numbers Game
I used a shallow box for the parking lot base, cutting a ramp into one edge so that the cars
could “drive” in. Then I used number stickers
to label F’s cars and drew the same number of parking spaces onto the base of the box. I chose to use numbers 1-15, as F has a reasonable grasp of 1-10, so I wanted some to be easy to match and then introduce some new words, too. I need to make sure that he knows there is life past the number ten!
I gave him the box and the numbered cars and at first he was a little overwhelmed – I’d bought extra cars
for this activity! But he soon figured out how the cars matched up with the parking spaces.
I called out each number for him when he picked up a car and helped him if he couldn’t find where to park it. He’s an organized little boy and I knew once he started he would want to match up all the cars.
After I helped him with 11-15, all the cars were parked!
Then, he decided he needed to neaten them up, turn them the same way round, and whatever else his ordered little mind required!
This was such an easy activity to set up and I know that we will get a lot of use out it. As soon as the sun comes out again we can also play with it outside!
About the Author:
Georgina is the founder and editor of Craftulate, writing about crafts and activities suitable for toddlers and young children. She also loves papercraft, sewing, and cooking.
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More Math and Number Learning Ideas from B-Inspired Mama:
Niki at Toot's Mom is Tired says
March 7, 2018 at 7:02 PMSuch a good idea! I want to try this with my toddler.
Cher says
December 26, 2016 at 6:52 AMThank you for sharing this great idea. We have a new foster grandson and I’m anxious for him to try this.
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
December 27, 2016 at 9:06 AMAwe – I’m so glad you’re going to try it. I hope he has fun!
E.H. says
June 23, 2016 at 10:57 PMThis is a great idea that combines fun with learning. Brilliant!!!
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
June 24, 2016 at 12:04 PMI think so, too! It was contributed by Craftulate. Definitely look up that blog for more fun ideas!
Jacquie Morrical says
November 19, 2015 at 5:37 PMIf you use a large pizza box you can store everything in the box besides.
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
November 20, 2015 at 8:04 AMNow that’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
Surekha says
July 27, 2015 at 1:31 AMGreat idea! I’ve got a good collection of cars and my children are going to love this! Thanks so much for sharing. Pinning 🙂
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
July 27, 2015 at 7:06 AMIsn’t it, though?! This is one of our most popular ideas here at B-Inspired Mama. Thanks for stopping by! And pinning! 😉
Acey says
February 15, 2015 at 10:18 AMGreat idea! I’m modifying this to be an auditory memory game for a seven year old with bilateral cochlear implants!
(Park the green car in space 4 and the blue car in space 5….park the green car four spaces left of space 8)
So excited, I think he will love this!
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
February 16, 2015 at 9:02 AMBrilliant!!! So glad you’ve found some inspiration. 🙂
Sarah Mueller says
March 5, 2014 at 8:35 PMWhat a sweet idea! My almost 3 year old will adore this game. He’s always looking for matches between colors and things.
Maria Gorete da Silva says
September 15, 2013 at 6:27 AMGostei demais dessa ideia,fiz pro meu pequeno ele adorou!!!
Valerie says
August 16, 2013 at 8:13 AMThis looks very inviting. We did something somewhat similar last year with first letter sounds and “vehicles” on a “parking” sheet during out transportation week. We had a “h” “helicopter”, “c” “car”, “b” boat”, “t” “train” and more. So the idea is highly adaptable as well. I just love the huge cardboard Georgina used compared to my tiny sheet! 🙂
Ashley says
August 13, 2013 at 7:49 AMSo cute my little guy will love this when he gets a little older!
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
August 13, 2013 at 8:56 AMI know! My J.C. will, too. 🙂
Ashley says
August 14, 2013 at 7:08 AMFeatured you this week on Mom’s Library!
Denise says
August 12, 2013 at 12:27 AMGreat simple play idea, Krissy. I just made a couple to add to the cars and garage area in my developmental preschool classroom. I have some little ones who I think will enjoy parking their cars in the lot! My tykes always have trouble recognizing and naming the “teens”, so one of my objectives was to include this in play. You’ve come up with an authentic play scheme. ~Denise
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
August 13, 2013 at 9:16 AMActually all of the credit goes to George of Craftulate. She’s got so many great ideas! I’m so glad that you’ll be able to use this one in the classroom, Denise!
Krista @ the happy housie says
August 10, 2013 at 1:15 AMThis is such a great idea to use with my kindergarteners at the start of the year… You could also adapt it to have each parking spot have a specific number of dots and then the kids have to match the numbers on the car to the corresponding number of dots…. Thanks for sharing this! Pinning:)
Krissy @ B-Inspired Mama says
August 13, 2013 at 9:18 AMGreat idea for an adaptation, Krista!
Jessica says
August 6, 2013 at 2:44 PMWhat a fun way to teach numbers! I like the use of stickers to label the cars. This could be modified for lots of different interests!
Laura M says
August 6, 2013 at 12:19 PMThat is soo cute and clever! It looks like an activity that would be played with a lot at my house!
Andrea @ No Doubt Learning says
August 6, 2013 at 11:35 AMI love how you used stickers on the cars! What a fun activity for matching!
Sarah says
August 6, 2013 at 6:15 AMAwesome Idea! What a great way to use what you have and learn through play!