Teaching children to count can be fun and easy by using simple strategies that will help your child develop a fondness for numbers.
Benefits of Teaching Counting
Teaching preschoolers to count will improve their readiness for other math concepts that will be taught in the future, such as addition and subtraction. One way to start is to tell your child how old he is while holding up the correct number of fingers. Then ask him to do the same. If your child is not ready to model this behavior, simply continue to occasionally show him. Eventually, he will hold up the correct number of fingers. When he does, say, “That’s right!” The object here is to demonstrate and model concepts until your child internalizes them and can model them back. Pushing or scolding are not appropriate, as they will cause anxiety in your child and are to be avoided. Children develop at their own rates, and when they are ready, they will learn and respond.
Examples of Modeling Counting
There are many ways to model early number concepts and counting. For example, when you spoon out food on your child’s plate, count aloud the spoonfuls as you drop them on the plate. When coloring, hand your child a crayon and say, “This is one crayon.” Give him two and say, “Here are two crayons.” Point to objects in your house and count them for your child. Make counting a natural part of your interactions with your child, and she will not even realize she’s learning. You may find your child will want to count with you. When possible and safe to do so, allow your child to touch the objects she is counting as she counts or as you count. Again, remember that modeling is the most important part of introducing numbers to your child, and don’t get discouraged if he does not immediately pick up on the task. Simply continue to model regularly, and your child will eventually begin to learn and demonstrate understanding. While coloring, as your child begins to count by ones, you can ask him to place one object, such as a crayon, in your hand. Wait for him to respond. If he does not respond, pick up one crayon and say, “This is one crayon.” Continue to demonstrate periodically. Eventually, your child will do what you’ve asked and will place a crayon in your hand. After he does this consistently, ask him to place two objects in your hand. When he does this consistently, ask for three and so on.
Modeling Counting for Older Children
For children who are 3 and 4 years old, you can practice counting with a number of common toys. Stuffed animals, fist-sized pop-beads, and stacking rings are good toys to start with. You can also teach color names as you count with these kinds of toys. When working with your 3- or 4-year-old child, it is important to keep the activity playful. Play and enjoyable interaction are the most important aspects of teaching and learning at these ages. Sneak the learning in at teachable moments rather than making teaching the focus of playtime.
