"Meet the Numbers" DVD Review

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An Introduction to Numbers and Counting

Guide Rating -

From the Preschool Prep Company, creators of the award-winning "Meet the Letters" DVD.

"Meet the Numbers" Overview

"Meet the Numbers" uses animation and repetition to introduce children to numbers and counting. Each number from 1 to 10 is shown on the screen in black and white and as an animated character taking part in a colorful animated sequence. Also, each number is displayed in different sizes and using different kinds of motion. A voice repeats the number each time a new representation of it is seen.

Subsequently, the numbers characters are shown again in order, and each number character counts items from 1 to itself. For example, the number "3" counts 3 golf balls.

In addition, the numbers are all repeated again and shown together. Children are able to meet the numbers in a variety of forms and as memorable animated characters.

According to the Preschool Prep concept, introducing children to numbers, letters and shapes when they are learning to talk helps them recognize and name these symbols just as they recognize and learn to name any other object such as a "baby" or a "doggy." This early familiarity with letters and numbers can give children a head start when the time comes to learn how to read or use numbers in other ways. (Read more about the Preschool Prep Concept.)

Guide Review of "Meet the Numbers"

"Meet the Numbers" effectively introduces toddlers and preschoolers to numbers and counting. Each number is shown and named several times, and the different animations involving the numbers serve as memory cues in addition to being fun for kids. Also, each number character counts items one at a time, so kids are exposed to numerous examples of how to count and the order of the numbers.

While the number characters are fun, some kids may get bored with the repetition. 30 minutes of going over numbers 1-10 can seem like a long time. The DVD can be easily shown in chapter segments, however, so parents or teachers can specifically focus on certain numbers or on counting.

"Meet the Numbers" DVD Special Features

• Special Counting Feature - Forward and Backward
• Flash Cards
• Chapter Selection

Expand Upon the "Meet the Numbers" Curriculum

• You can turn almost anything into a counting game. Because children love food, it's easy to get them to count snacks. For example, "How many goldfish do you want to eat?" Have the child count the goldfish. Take one away and ask, "How many are left if I take one away?" You can also ask, "How many goldfish do we need if we give one to each person in the room?"
• Draw the characters or objects from stories with numbers, such as "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" and count the characters as you act out the story.
• Sing counting songs and use cut out characters or objects to act out the story as the song progresses. Some good songs are, "Five Little Monkey's Jumping on the Bed", "Three Little Fishies" or "Five Little Ducks."

* See the Preschool Prep Company official website for more information. Preschool Prep also offers the introductory DVDs "Meet the Letters" and "Meet the Shapes" in addition to other educational products.