Numbers have intrigued humanity since ancient times and continue to do so today. They serve as the fundamental components of mathematics, providing access to new knowledge and understanding. Beyond mere tools for measuring quantities or performing calculations, numbers bear deep symbolism across various cultures globally. This significance underscores the importance and excitement of teaching numbers to kindergarten students.
Kindergarten educators employ various fun and engaging activities to teach numbers, including counting games, number songs, and hands-on manipulative activities. These not only impart the basic concepts of numbers but also enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in children.
How to teach numbers to kindergarten students?
Teaching numbers to kids is a tricky task. Most of the time they reject this foreign concept or throw a tantrum if you try to make them sit through a ‘fixed’ lecture. 123 recognition is an essential skill that is important for kindergarten kids. Therefore, to help out new parents and kindergarten teachers, we have devised some tips and tricks to help you through this tough journey!
Start with the basics: 1 to 10
The initial step involves introducing kindergarten students to counting basics, focusing on numbers one through ten. Utilizing hands-on activities and visual aids like counting blocks, flashcards, or finger puppets makes learning interactive and enjoyable.
Count Fingers and Toes
Counting fingers and toes is the easiest way to teach your child to count numbers and remember the sequence. Suppose your toddler struggles with numbers; demonstrate how to measure numbers with their little fingers. To know how to teach your child to learn numbers is to count their fingers and toes for better understanding. Once you have done this, ask your kid how many toes they have or how many fingers they hold up. The more your child learns numbers by counting fingers and toes, the easier they will learn numbers.
Tracing Numbers
After students have become acquainted with numbers, it’s time to introduce them to the art of writing and tracing. Tracing plays a important role in the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and muscle memory. You can make your own or obtain printable sheets for fun and happy learning. There are also connect-the-dot books in stores and online, making it helpful for your child to know the order of the numbers and what the image represents. These number activities for preschoolers benefit from boosting confidence in numerical skills.
Use numbers flashcards
Flashcards are a great source of teaching numbers to children. In kindergarten kids respond to digital sources of learning much faster as compared to the traditional methods. The innovative fonts and, striking colors help the kids stay attentive and involved in their classes. We have created an all in one flashcard app for kids. It comes with endless features and has been a great resource for parents who are trying to teach their children at home.
Engage in fun activities
Kindergarten students thrive on learning through play. Integrating number games and songs into their routine fosters an enjoyable learning experience. Games like “I Spy” or “Hide and Seek” can be used to encourage counting during playtime.
Reinforce with real-life examples
Numbers are everywhere and are all around us. To do this step, ask your child to count the number of plates or apples or point out the numbers on the clock. You must incorporate numbers into daily life to allow your child to absorb and recall how to count numbers. The more you incorporate numbers into your daily routine, the more they will understand and apply numbers in further education.
Use songs and rhymes
Singing number rhymes and songs are the best ways to get your child to learn numbers. Since singing numbers have widely used in schools, countless number songs help you to sing numbers to your child. When you sing to your child, be sure you show the numbers as you sing along. The more your child remembers numbers, the more they will enhance auditory learning and build more significant development with numbers. If your child loves to sing, then do not stop to sing along!
Make use of manipulatives
Manipulatives, such as counting bears, buttons, or cubes, are great tools for teaching numbers in a hands-on way. These objects help children visualize and understand the concept of quantity and can be used to introduce basic math operations like addition and subtraction.
Read Number Books
Numbers are easier to read than letters as numbers have limited sequence and are available in the same size. Since books are a gateway to learning, you should encourage your child to read different numbers books and manage them into a daily routine. Once your child reads books with numbers, they will explore various ideas about numbers and learn math at an early age. It makes an early learning routine where number books help kids to grasp information and enhance numerical skills.
Encourage creativity
Aside from traditional methods, it’s also important to encourage creativity when teaching numbers. This can be done by incorporating art and crafts activities into the lesson, such as creating number collages or using playdough to create numbers. These activities not only make learning fun but also help children think outside the box and understand numbers in a more creative way.
Point out Numbers
Numbers are all over the signboards, plates, shops, and many more. To expose your child to numbers, take them outdoors and point out numbers on the street, signboards, number plates, coins, banknotes, and many more. The more you take your child outdoors, the quicker they will recognize and pick up numbers.
Do Play Number Puzzles
Countless number puzzles are the most interactive way to develop your child’s numerical skills. Whether your child goes for jigsaw puzzles or number boards, incorporating them into various number puzzles will make them happy and engaged. If you do not have any number puzzles, then invest in suitable number toys and puzzles your children will love. If your child has a favorite puzzle to play with, this will reduce the hassle of finding number toys or games your kids do not like!
Number Recognition Games:
Number recognition apps have made it quick and hassle-free to learn number recognition and carry out interactive activities your child will enjoy playing. The app consists of six different games where your child will learn number recognition and count objects. The number learning games comprise standout content where your child will not get bored while using this app and has an undistracted user interface.
The readable fonts and colors keep your child happy with little instructions. In addition, the unlimited, customizable option helps your child to enjoy playing different games. This app is all your child needs to find a quick way to learn number recognition! This app will keep your child’s learning engaged in wiping off boredom.
Join the Dots
Connecting the dots is the most engaging activity, where learning numbers helps kids to join the dots to form a picture. The best thing you have to do is to teach the order of numbers before beginning this activity. You can make your own or obtain printable sheets for fun and happy learning. There are also connect-the-dot books in stores and online, making it helpful for your child to know the order of the numbers and what the image represents. These number activities for preschoolers benefit from boosting confidence in numerical skills.
Write Down Numbers and Make your Child Draw Objects
Writing down digits helps to encourage how to teach your child to learn numbers. All you have to do is to write the numbers and ask your child to draw that particular digit. For example, ask your child to draw three books if you have written the number three. You can do the opposite by marking the number of objects and asking your child to count the things and write the number. Continue this activity until they have understood how to demonstrate numbers and quantify the number of items.
Final Verdict:
Numbers are all over the place, which requires effective ways to teach numbers with greater engagement. How to teach your child to learn numbers requires indulging in these activities to keep your child’s earning engaged and learn digits quickly. In addition, the vital skill of numbers will help your child to master further digital learning and reduce the struggle of applying it in other studies.
Keep in mind everything takes time and patience, so be sure to provide plenty of positive reinforcement and praise as students progress in their number skills. With the right techniques and approach, teaching numbers can be an exciting and rewarding experience for both teachers and students alike!
