Teaching Kids How to Count: Simple and Effective Techniques
Most of the adults consider counting practically the simplest thing in the world and it seems that kids should easily grasp learning numbers. Sometimes it is hard to understand why the little one doesn’t comprehend that after ten goes eleven. Don’t get sad or mad if your kid makes mistakes or doesn’t show much interest in this activity. Fortunately, there’re a lot of simple, effective and fun for the little ones ways to teach them counting. You only need a couple of parenting tricks, little bit of patience and imagination.
When is it better to begin introducing children to the world of numbers? It depends on the child’s individual abilities, but specialists recommend to start teaching how to count since about the age of two. Start with numbers 1 to 5 and when your little one grasps the idea you may go further up to 10, 20 and so on. Follow interests of the child and create environments that encourage creativity and exploration.
You may start with counting objects and actions. Use everyday life as a good counting exercise. Whatever you are doing there is something to be counting, while dressing up your little one counts socks, shoes, cloth items. Count your child’s favorite toys. Count people, birds, trees, cars, houses when you play outside … At dinner ask how many napkins do you need, how many cups, forks, spoons, chairs, etc. Probably at the beginning you will have to answer yourself, but very soon your precious little one gets the idea and will respond.
Even though many teachers discourage parents to use this method, there is one technique that is still worth mentioning. You will need only fingers. Counting with our fingers is a perfectly normal and natural way to learn counting. Even when your child is a baby you can count fingers and toes at bathing time, getting dressed or just communicating with the kid. Employ songs, verses that involve actions with fingers. Ask how old she is or how many brothers or sister she has and let your little one use her fingers. By the way, this wonderful activity urges the development of fine motor skills. In the complex with other methods this simple way is very helpful.
When your little one learns counting 1 to 10 it is time to teach her number recognition. Here of great use will be different flashcards, magnets, worksheets, fun counting books or special apps. For example, Learn Numbers with Cars – a nice interactive app that helps kids learn numbers with three different techniques. Your child will pick up counting within weeks and begin counting things just like you.
All these techniques are good but with a complex approach their effectiveness will increase. More than that, the child won’t get used to only one of them and will easily continue learning math at school. Remember that the quality and speed of learning first of all depends on how much the kid likes the activity. That’s why it is important to get her interested – turn the learning into a fascinating game!
