How To Teach Counting and Numbers Using Toys and Play

 
 

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Counting is a complex skill for young learners. Learning to recite the numbers in order comes first, but children then need to learn how to count sets of objects and tell how many are in each set. They need to understand that one number is assigned to each object as they count which is called one to one correspondence. This skill takes time and practice to learn. Luckily, it is easy to work counting and number recognition into your daily routine. Here are a few ideas to help your child become an expert counter by Kindergarten:

Practice, practice, practice. Count food, fingers, toys, anything you can think of. Practice counting forwards and backwards. For an extra challenge, begin counting from numbers other than 1.

 

Think of things you can count around the house. How many beds are there? How many doors? For a challenge, once your child is done counting a particular object, have him write the number on a white board or chalkboard. Count several objects, such as windows, ceiling fans, and doorknobs. Talk about which number is the biggest and which is the smallest. To reinforce one to one correspondence, encourage your child to point to the objects as they count and then move them to the side.

Take your counting outside. As you walk around the neighborhood, count how many dogs you see, or how many blue cars, or red flowers. Let your child suggest what to count next. The possibilities are endless! Compare what you saw more and less of.

 

When walking or riding in a car, go on a number hunt. How many different numbers from 1 to 10 can your child find?

Sort household objects, like his toys or books or socks, by color. Count how many of each color there are and record the numbers.

Help your child learn to identify numbers out of order. Take a chunky number puzzle or simply write the numbers on sticky notes and scramble the numbers. Ask your child to put them back in order. Start with the numbers 1 to 5, and once he masters this skill, you can move on to 10 and eventually 20.

 

Try writing the numbers in marker on blank sheets of paper, one number per page. Have your child place the correct number of stickers on each page. This can also be done with Bingo dot markers, pompoms, or any other small objects or toys you have lying around.

There are many games that help children practice matching numbers with sets. Look for Number Bingo and Number Memory, two classic games that reinforce counting and number recognition skills.

Here are a few of our favorite games that teach counting and numbers:

Shelby’s Snack Shack – Players spin a spinner to collect dog bones for Shelby the Pug. This simple game teaches both recognition of numbers to 5 and counting quantities. The squeezable Shelby figure used to pick up the bones also improves fine motor skills!

Hi Ho! Cherry-O – This is another great game for teaching number recognition and counting, as well as comparing sets to determine more and less. The different color fruits are also great practice identifying colors!

 

Number Slap Jack – This is a fun card game to practice identifying numbers. Besides the Slap Jack game, you can use these cards for other number games such as Memory and Go Fish!

Check out a few counting books from the library to enjoy together. He may enjoy reading along with you! Here are a few suggestions: