Understanding numbers is an essential skill that every kindergartener and preschooler should master. While most educators introduce kids to numbers in kindergarten or first grade, you can start exposing your child to math much earlier.
These math skills will come in handy by acting as a building block your child can depend on when teachers start introducing them to math concepts.
However, you’ll need a strategy that’s both fun and, at the same time, helps instill in the kids the confidence to count. Strive to not only help kids develop the ability to count, but also help them in building a thorough understanding of how numbers work. Teaching numbers to kids doesn’t have to be an exhausting task.
Try to develop an easy and engaging number teaching approach, such as using CoCoMelon MagnaTiles to help your kid become fond of numbers. Here are three easy and fun ways to teach children how to count numbers.
1. Get Number Toys
It’s common knowledge that kids learn best when engaged in playful activities. Access to hands-on number toys is one of the great, fun ways you can introduce kids to numbers. This is especially true because manipulating physical objects triggers the brain to grasp numbering concepts.
By themselves, numbers are typically an abstract idea. Hence, kindergarteners and preschoolers should be exposed to concrete math concepts before moving forward to abstraction.
Number toys allow kids to touch, see and understand what numbers are before working abstractly. You’ll, however, need to work closely with your child and help them throughout the initial learning process.
2. Teach the Order of Numbers with Connect the Dots
This game helps kids understand the ordering of numbers. Consider using to draw numbered dots that form a shape. Next, walk your child in drawing number shapes by joining the dots. For instance, you could make an octagon shape using eight dots and then assist your child in drawing the octagon by following a step-by-step approach.
Alternatively, you can buy ready-made connect-the-dots books, which will be printed with various unique drawings outlined by numbered dot patterns. To complete drawing these shapes, the dots will need to be sequentially connected. Upon drawing the shape successfully, allow your child to color it to make the game appear more fun.
3. Point Out Numbers
You’ll see numbers on street signs, vehicles, lifts, grocery bills, and speed limit signs, just to name a few things. Remember to point out these numbers to your child anytime you encounter them, and you’ll be surprised to see your kid recognize them on their own soon enough.
Endnote
All parents should commit some time to teaching their kids numbers. You’ll be surprised at how fast some kids can learn counting numbers before they can even write their first name.
Try implementing these fun and easy numbers teaching activities to get your kid up to speed with the art of counting. However, your kid will need more time to master the numbering skills, so be patient with them.
