Math-U-See Number Stamp Printable
Gabe jumped into school a wee bit earlier than his siblings. And I find that this means he can’t always do all the things that he wants to do.
But his mind wants to.
As I surveyed next year’s math . . . I questioned whether we should continue our current course. It would require a lot of handwriting. While I want Gabe to know how to write his numbers, I don’t want to hold him back from learning new math concepts just because he struggles with the fine motor skills to write the number answers.
As I shared this with the Math-U-See representative, she gave me a genius idea – allow him to stamp the correct answer.
Genius.
Benefits of Using Number Stamps
And you know what I am finding?
- Number stamping has increased his learning and speed at which he completes his work.
- It has sparked a desire in him to truly master writing his numbers.
- It has allowed him to work independently, just like his big brothers.
- He has shown increased confidence.
- Teaches him that everything has a place.
Keeping Number Stamps Organized
Perhaps I am OCD, but I created an organized surface for Gabe to place his stamps after he used a number stamp. This eliminates ink from getting all over his desk, and if the document is laminated, the ink wipes off.
I keep Gabe’s Number Stamps on a tray – basically because this way the stamps don’t have to be put away in a traditional . . . bag or box. And it makes it easy for us to move his math, say to the kitchen table, if need be.
Supplies Needed
- The number stamps we use are from Michaels. But Amazon has a similar set of stamps that I am pretty sure would work called Copperplate Number Stamps by Hero Art (affiliate link).
- Ink Stamps (our are from an Ed Emberley drawing set)
- We have had the trays forever. I LOVE our trays. I found those at Oriental Trading.
While I created this document to be used with Math-U-See Primer and Alpha curriculum, it certainly has other applications.
How will you use this Number Stamp Printable?
Great idea! My 4 yos has started MUS Primer and I’ve been trying to slow him down as he is not ready for the writing portion, but is determined to do MANY pages a day. This should work…..or even number stickers!
The MUS lady also recommended stickers to me — but all the stickers I could find also had the alphabet and then it was going to get expensive. I could make them on the computer and then use the sticker laminator . . .but that is just more work to be honest.
brilliant! i used to write the number answers for my daughter when she was younger and hadn’t mastered her writing skills yet. works when you only have one, but not so much when you have multiple kids. i like this idea.
Thank you!!! I was writing them too — and then he would get bored. Now he does this independently and I can keep the other kiddos moving along too!
Thanks for sharing. I was debating if I would do anything with my 4 yo next year, because I know he has no interest in writing at this point…but he enjoys numbers and such and both his sisters are doing MUS.
How old is your son?
What was the name of the stamps from Michaels?
Thanks
Gabe is 4 turning 5 in a few weeks. He’s a love . . . and loves to play. So the stamps have been fantastic!! As he has played on not worked on handwriting. But I am finding that with multiple children, I am letting each be a kid longer. But he did want to do school and the stamps have opened up his world. I can’t remember the name of the stamp at Michaels — it started with an R . . . and was in with the other stamps. It came in a pretty small box.
What a great idea! My son is mentally ready to start the Math-U-See Primer but isn’t writing well. I was going to hold off starting but this stamping idea is genius! Thank you for sharing. (And thanks to Pinterest for helping me find your website.)
Yahoo!!! Thanks for telling me how you found about about my stamping post! Yahoo for Pinterest!!!! This stamping was seriously a game changer for Gabe!
Such a GREAT idea for so many reasons!! I may do this for my son (who will be 6) to ‘change’ up things!
Yea!!! Glad it can bless you! I had fun making it!!
What a great idea. My kids are especially messy with stamps which is why I don’t pull them out very often, but I think I might just give this a shot. I like the idea of laminating it for easy wipe clean…
My child has fine motor difficulties too. I find this is a challenge when he is working with the unit blocks and building them on the worksheet.
Have you run into this problem as well? Any advice?
Yes. This was one reason I made the stamp printable. I eliminate distractions on his desk. We do math when he is freshest! I also have had a separate sheet of plain paper, white or colored, where he can build. Does that help? It helps me to remember his strengths . . . and where he struggles — knowing the areas that trigger getting frustrated with the fine motor skills. Sometimes I help him build — he just tells me what to grab.
THANK YOU! I was searching and hoping someone would help validate and facilitate my conviction that just because my 4 year old is interested and doing well with numeral identification and counting, it doesn’t require that her fine motor skills are fully developed yet. I am confident they will sharpen, in time, but this idea will help us keep moving in the interim.
Wonderful!!!!!! So glad this helped you!!!
Thanks for this idea! My son is newly 7 and ready for Alpha but does not write numbers well yet. I was trying to figure out what to do short of making him wait on the math until his writing skills caught up. This is the perfect solution and will help reduce stress on his end.