School Buses, American Flags, & Palm Trees

When Dash was younger he LOVED school buses! 

In fact, before he could even talk he would sign 'bus' every time he saw one (using baby signs/ASL).  

When he turned three, we started counting school buses.

Now, for most people that might not be very difficult but we happen to live near the hub for all the school buses in our county.  Around 9am or 3pm, each day, you will see LOTS of school buses!!!

One time we counted 39 buses on our way to a playdate- no joke!

So, began our routine of counting school buses. 

At first, he did all the searching, "Look another school bus!"
And, I did all the counting. 

But, as time went on, he started counting with me. 

And, he became VERY good at counting.

Recently, after learning what an American Flag was, he started pointing those out as we drove around town. 

Now...maybe it's because we live in a military town...but, we have LOTS of American flags around.
I never noticed how many there were until Dash started pointing them all out.

We counted 44 American flags going to a restaurant 15 minutes away, the other night!

So, once again, he is practicing his counting along with getting to play a game of sorts-

it's like

'Where's Waldo'

but finding buses or American Flags!

When I was a kid, we used to count palm trees on the trip to my grandparents' house...they didn't live far but that's how I learned to count to 100!

So, next time you are in the car, have your child start searching for something.

City buses, school buses, American flags, red cars, anything really!
And, start counting...

You'll be surprised how well the eagle eyes on your little one work and how fast they learn to count!