"Bring Me _____" - A Montessori Math Game

The "Bring me ____”  game is such a fun and easy way to introduce the concept that numbers are a symbol of a quantity.

All you need are a few small objects from around your home (blocks, cars, beads, pom poms, anything you know that you have multiples of around the room or house) and numbers from 0 to 5. You can write the numbers on paper or use magnets or puzzle pieces.

You can introduce this activity once your child starts showing an interest in counting and numbers.

“Bring me ____” - How To Play

1. Start by sitting down with your child and showing them the number 1. Say, “Can you bring me back 1 ___?” (object, like “block” or “pom pom”).

Again, choose things you know are around and in the correct quantities.

2. When they return with the object, place it beside the number. Point to the number and say “one,” then point to the object and say “one” so they can connect the idea of the symbol and the quantity.

3. Continue with numbers 2 through 5 in the same way. Move through this game slowly.

Understanding quantity takes time, and it’s perfectly fine to focus on one number at a time over several days.

Notes:

• This game is meant to be spontaneous doesn't need to be overly planned. Just a fun activity to keep in mind for a child interested in numbers.
• If your child brings back a different number than you asked for, you can simply acknowledge it: “You brought back 3. Let’s put them beside the 3. Now, can you bring me 2?” Keep it light and fun. It should feel like a game rather than a lesson.
• You could also add a basket or tray for the child to take with them to collect the objects.
• When introducing 0, say, “0 means none. Can you bring me back 0 ___?” Pause, then gently explain, “There are no objects to bring back, because zero means none.” This moment often feels a bit silly to children, and that’s part of the fun.
• You can repeat this game for as long as your child is interested.

Extensions:

You can also extend this activity in simple ways:

• Try adding descriptive language: “Can you bring me 2 red cars?”
• Take it outside and look for 1 leaf, 2 rocks, 3 flowers, and so on.
• When your child is comfortable with 0–5, you can continue the same game with numbers up to 10.