Painting With Math

Counting and grouping become cooperative as children create artwork emphasizing number and quantity for classmates to explore.

• 1.

  On white paper, write numerals 1 through 10 with Crayola® Washable Markers. Next to each number, list a different favorite object.

• 2.

  Cover your work area with newspaper. On another sheet of white paper, use Crayola Washable Paint and Paint Brushes to paint a scene that shows the listed quantities of your favorite objects (such as 1 teddy bear, 2 cats, and 3 lions). Dry flat.

• 3.

  Use markers to add details to your picture.

• 4.

  Exchange drawings with a friend. Write the numerals 1 to 10 again. Find which objects represent each number.

Benefits

• Children write numerals and apply counting and grouping skills by listing favorite objects.
• Students create original artwork which demonstrates they have mastered counting and grouping.
• Children exchange drawings and identify the number of each object found.

Adaptations

• Arrange a still life with increasing numbers of items such as stuffed animals or toy cars. Draw the still life. Glue on cardboard and cut into puzzle pieces to challenge each other even more.
• Paint different places, using your counting skills to include groups of objects appropriate to those environments, such as grocery stores, zoos, highways, and closets.
• Create your own soup or salad recipe using quantities of ingredients from 1 through 5 or 10 (1 tomato, 2 cups water, 3 carrots).
• Younger children and those with special needs may enjoy counting objects in paintings one-on-one with the teacher, giving the teacher first-hand information about the skills of your children.