Counting is probably the first skill to teach and learn for Mathematics. As a parent, I had little recollection on how I learned counting myself. I can’t even remember how I started recognizing numbers. So I wondered how I am going to teach counting and numbers for homeschooling.
But don’t worry. Teaching how to count is easy and fun. It will take a while but patience is an important part in teaching young children.
Here are some tips on how to teach counting.
Sing together counting songs.
Counting songs are catchy. Kids won’t even recognize that it is actually part of learning. Pick one counting song and sing them together as often as possible. Your child will memorize it without much effort. You can sing 10 Little Indian Boys or Sesame Street’s Pinball Number Count. But I suggest singing from memory instead of using apps and videos.
Count together.
Take every opportunity to count together. Count everything around you. Pillows, shoes, toys, blocks, candies and more. Point to each item as you count and encourage your child to do the same. Start with smaller numbers like 1-3 only. Then introduce new numbers once there is mastery of the first set.
Teach how to count properly.
We had this problem when Gab keeps on counting the same item more than once. He forgets that he counted it already and then counts it again. One solution is to let the child put the items that were counted already into another container like a box.
Use numbers everyday.
Describe everyday things with numbers. Instead of just telling the child to look at the dogs, say “look at the three dogs in the park”. Or instead of asking do you like ice cream, ask “Do you like one scoop or two scoops of ice cream?”
Emphasize the last number.
The last count is the total. It tells how many. Call out the last number to emphasize it. Say something like “One, two, three, four! There are four cars.”
Use counting tools like an abacus.
Use a physical object to count. An abacus is a nice tool since it just looks like a toy. We used Unifix cubes before. You can also use Mathlink Cubes, Cuisenaire rods, pattern blocks, colored chips, blocks or stacks.
Use your fingers.
No need for fancy stuff. Fingers and toes will work just fine. Tickle each other to make it even fun.
Play dominoes.
Dominoes is a good game for counting and recognizing number patterns. For beginners, you can use fewer pieces first like 1-4 only. Then add new pieces once the child has mastered the first four.
Play board games.
Incorporate counting when playing simple board games like Snake and Ladders or the table game 4 In A Row. Let the child verbally count up as they move the piece along the board.
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