DADS CAN COUNT | Becoming a father has been the most rewarding journey of my life. From the first moment I held my child in my arms, I knew that I had a crucial role to play in their development. As I navigated
the joys and challenges of fatherhood, I discovered the power of count, group, and compare
activities in nurturing my child’s early learning experiences. In this blog post, I will share a
personal narrative of how I incorporated these activities into my parenting journey and offer
three tips for fellow dads looking to do the same.
When my son was 2, I found myself searching for ways to engage and bond with him beyond
playtime. One day, while sorting through his toys, I decided to introduce him to the concept of
counting by lining up his colorful blocks. As we counted together, his eyes lit up with curiosity
and excitement. This simple activity sparked a newfound interest in numbers and math that we
continued to explore together.
As he has grown older, I began incorporating grouping activities into our daily routines. During
nature walks, we collect rocks, leaves, and flowers, and categorize them based on their shapes
and colors. These outdoor adventures not only fostered his love for exploration but also
strengthened his observational skills and appreciation for the world around him.
Comparing became a natural extension of our interactions as my son’s curiosity and
understanding deepened. Whether we were at the grocery store comparing different fruits or at
home examining his toy cars, we would discuss the similarities and differences between objects,
sparking meaningful conversations and encouraging his analytical thinking.
Here Are A Few Tips for Dads:
1. Make it a shared experience: Engage your child in count, group, and compare activities by
making them interactive and collaborative. Encourage open communication and exploration
during these moments to foster a sense of connection and shared learning.
2. Be creative and flexible: Tailor activities to suit your child’s interests and learning style.
Incorporate count, group, and compare concepts into everyday routines and playtime in a way
that feels natural and enjoyable for both you and your child.
3. Celebrate progress and effort: Recognize and praise your child’s efforts in engaging with
count, group, and compare activities. Celebrate small achievements and milestones to boost
their confidence and motivation to continue learning and exploring.
As fathers, we have a unique opportunity to shape and influence our children’s early
development through meaningful interactions and engaging activities. By incorporating count,
group, and compare into our parenting journey, we can create enriching learning experiences
that foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in our children. Let’s embrace the role of
involved dads in nurturing early childhood development and cherish the moments of growth and
discovery with our little ones.
By Jayvon Johnson, Educator, Pastor, Doula and Founder of The Peculiar Dad Network