Isn’t teaching a toddler so much fun? I think so! Just the other day, I taught Darah about her pinky (pinkie?) finger. She thought the name was hilarious, and brought it up at least a dozen times throughout the day.

I find these teachable moments are everywhere, and I am having a great time helping little D understand concepts that are more and more complex. But one area where I fear I am not doing the best job of teaching is with math. I’m not as quick to pick up on those moments to teach basic math concepts (and those moments really are plentiful once you stop to think about it). So I’ve been on the lookout for some material that can help me out.

Nickelodeon, believe it or not, has actually just launched a preschool math kit. It’s based on their very popular series, Team Umizoomi. Since we don’t have cable, I’d never heard of this show prior to doing this review. Evidently the series shows small children how to solve real-life problems using math skills (perhaps helping to address the question, “When will I ever use this?” at an early age!).

The Team Umizoomi Math Kit includes all of the following:

• 48-page workbook that amplifies the curriculum covered in each episode, setting up problems and providing opportunities for practice and repetition
• 24-page storybook that invites kids to join Team Umizoomi on a math adventure
• 24 Mighty Math Mission Cards – portable cards that provide math-based challenges for kids
• 48-page activity book that reinforces math skills through simple games and activities
• Team Umizoomi episode on DVD

We have not watched the DVD yet, as I get the sense that it is a bit more fast-paced than what I allow Darah to watch. As she pushes past the 2 year mark, I’ll test the waters with it a bit to see if it holds her interest. I have found the workbooks to be really cool. Some of the concepts are beyond Darah’s level at this point, but some of the activities we are able to do right now! And they are giving me great ideas about things I can point out to Darah in our day-to-day life, as well.

If you have a little one who is gearing up for pre-school, I think this is a good enrichment option. They are available exclusively at Toys “R” Us (or can be purchased online) and retail for $19.99 each (there are 3 different kits).

By the way, can you believe that Nickelodeon is 32 years old? That is nuts!

Win it!: One Stuff Parents Need reader will win a Team Umizoomi Preschool Math Kit! The contest will run until July 30th at 11:59pm EST when a winner will be selected using Random.org. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning notification before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Open to residents of the United States. Limit one entrant per household, please.