“1, 2, 3, 4, 5… Numberblocks!”
The new season (6) of Numberblocks is out on Netflix! Unfamiliar with Numberblocks? If you have a preschooler, I suggest that you add this show to your favorites list on Netflix right now. If you don’t have Netflix, it’s ok; you can also watch it on YouTube.
Numberblocks is a TV show created by CBeebies (preschool TV channel owned by BBC) that teaches early math curriculum. They also have created “Alphablocks” which teaches letters, letter sounds, and how to spell. Maybe it’s because it was passed down from my smart, number-oriented husband (I was terrible at math), but my kids were more fascinated with Numberblocks than Alphablocks. My now kindergartener was four when she started watching it and immediately became obsessed. She learned how to count to over 100 by 5s and 10s, and learned addition, subtraction, and multiplication — all from watching this TV show with five-minute long episodes!
Numberblocks helps children see how numbers really work and master key math skills. Each episode has been created with the help of NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics) to make sure it delivers the essential numeracy skills that build good number sense and a solid math foundation with children. The show makes numbers fun with colorful characters that sing and rhyme.
When I say we really got into Numberblocks last year, we really got into it. Here are a few activities we did (besides watching the show on repeat) to explore more with Numberblocks:
Build Them
In the midst of the pandemic last year, I found myself with a ton of cardboard boxes from online shopping. So one day I decided to craft some Numberblocks with the large size boxes and some construction paper. These were big enough for them to wear so they would also make cool homemade Halloween costumes if you already have any Numberblocks fans at home!
You can see the step by step tutorial of how I made them here. Keep in mind, this was last year when my kids were home with me 24/7 during the pandemic and everything was closed. If you don’t have the time or resources to make large ones out of boxes, you can also make smaller versions, build them out of playdough, or create them with food!
Color/Draw Them
Before they put out Numberblock color sheets, we drew our own. First, I drew them and let the kids color them, and then my daughter started to draw her own. And of course, in order to draw her own, she had to learn and practice how to count the number of squares she needed to make each character. You can now find coloring sheets along with several other free activities and printables on their website.
Apps
Numberblocks has apps. I love learning apps because they give kids a fun visual and an exciting way to learn math with a hands-on experience. Kids can go on adventures with their Numberblock friends with interactive learning games. The newest one is “Numberblocks World.” The others are “Meet the Numberblocks,” “Numberblocks Hide and Seek,” and “Numberblocks Card Fun.” You can find more detailed app information here.
