Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Basic Teaching Methods
• Method 2 of 2: Strengthening your numeracy skills
• Tips

Understanding numbers is a key skill in daily life. Most children are able to count and get a basic understanding of the function of numbers by the age of 5. This knowledge is very important, as it prepares you for the more complex math problems that children will face in the upcoming school years. To find out more, start at step 1.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Basic Teaching Methods

1. 1 Learning to count. Teach children to count from one to ten. For most of them, it will be quite easy to memorize ten numbers, as well as learn how to repeat them, for example, in song or poetic form. Practice this basic skill every time you get the chance.
   • Many children learn best using the sense of touch. Let the children touch the objects they think. This will help them develop an understanding of numbers.
2. 2 Introducing the numbers themselves. Start by writing the numbers one through ten on the board or on a piece of paper. Say each of them out loud and point to the number, counting in order. This method associates numeracy with the visual representation of each digit.
   • You can also use number cards. Pick up the number card, say it loudly, and ask each child to find the same number in their own set. Have each child say the name of the number.
3. 3 We discuss each figure separately. Take some time to learn each digit, starting with one. Write down both the number and the word, and also illustrate by showing one cube, one finger, or some other single object. Then go to number 2.
   • Don't move on to the next number until each child has learned the one you explained. It is best to take turns learning the numbers.
4. 4 We combine with images. Many children learn best when they have visuals. Write down each number and depict what it represents. For example, for a deuce, draw two eyes, two apples, or two flowers.
   • Dice, dominoes, or dotted cards are also great.
   • For best results, have the children try to draw their own ideas.
5. 5 We use the sense of touch. Beans, cubes, or other tangible objects will help children learn the concepts they are learning more easily. So, while explaining the number 3, ask each child to count three objects, touching them in turn.
6. 6 We show children how to write numbers. When discussing a specific number, teach the children to write it correctly. Let them try to write the numbers themselves.
   • Be creative and playful! Say that the number 1 has a lean body line and a long, elongated nose. A little bit of stupidity and fun helps to solidify the numbers in the child's memory.
7. 7 We emphasize the importance of the sequence of numbers. Knowing the number sequence is an essential skill. Start teaching this by writing the numbers in one line on a chalkboard or piece of paper. It should be a straight line with the numbers running from left to right at regular intervals.
   • Help the children understand the sequence by asking them to sort the cards in the correct order. Or, you might deliberately count as wrong so that the children point out mistakes to you.
8. 8 Learn to count from the middle. As soon as the children master the numbers and their sequence, you can start teaching counting from any number, not just from one. Demonstrate this idea with cards or other objects. For example, if your child has a stack of 5 cards, and you add two more to it, it will be easier for him not to start counting with the first five. Instead, he can continue by counting out 2 more numbers: “Six, seven”. This will lay the foundation for future addition examples.

Method 2 of 2: Strengthening your numeracy skills

1. 1 We play games with basic numbers. After introducing children to the basic counting system and number sequence, you can reinforce this information with number games. There can be an infinite number of them. First try:
   • Building a tower from cubes. Pick a certain number or the number that you are now discussing, and collect the tower from the required number of cubes.
   • Creation of stairs. Use cubes to build towers and sort them by size. First a tower of one cube, then of two, then of three. This will help you remember the sequence, as well as correlate physical size and quantity.
   • Table games. In many board games, children are required to determine numbers by the number of dots on the dice, and then count the appropriate number of cells to move on.
2. 2 We sing counting songs. Basic counting songs and poems help children memorize numbers and their sequence.
3. 3 We use books with illustrations. There are a huge number of counting and number books available for preschoolers and kindergarten students. Pick some with vibrant colors and pretty pictures.
4. 4 As often as possible we ask “how much?”. Every time a situation arises in life that requires an account, ask the children to do it for you. How many plates do you need to set the table? How many books did you take from the shelf? How many sweets do you have?
5. 5 We emphasize the relationship between numbers and quantity. Play games where children need to understand the relationship between numbers and their corresponding amount. For example, ask the children to count a certain number of beans and then add or subtract several. Have the children identify a new number and say whether it is higher or lower.
6. 6 We use table 5 by 2. Draw a rectangle made up of 10 small squares (two rows of five). Draw dots or color in sections each section representing a specific number.
7. 7 We train to compare numbers. Explain that the numbers increase as you go from 1 to 10. Using beans, cubes, or other objects, place two piles on a table or desk, one on the left and one on the right. Ask the children to determine which side is larger and count a specific number. Indicate that this figure is greater than the one on the other side.
   • This technique can also be used when teaching equality. From time to time, make two identical piles: 5 beans each, 10 cubes each, or other objects that you use for training. Let these children discover and explain what this means.

Tips

• Encourage children to use their numeracy skills as often as possible in their daily life. This will reinforce their early math knowledge much better than any lesson.
• Praise the children when they learn these concepts, and do not scold if they mix something up. Children will have more desire to learn and also have more self-confidence if you stick to the most positive reinforcement of the material.