Number recognition is when children don’t just see abstract shapes, but realises that these shapes are numbers and that they mean something. Here is some activities to promote number recognition:
1. Wooden blocks with numbers on them are a great way to start. Kids between the ages of 2 and 4 years can learn numbers 1, 2 and 3 and kids between the ages of 4 and 5 years can do 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
2. Make fun placards with the numbers 1 to 9 to make sure that kiddies know the difference between 1 and 7 and 6 and 9.
3. There are a number of toys available to help with number recognition – like Base Ten Activity Cards which are a flash-card style game with toy-trains and building blocks.
4. Kids learn through play – so when parents or teachers are involved with this fun activity it helps kids to learn even quicker. Foam cut out numbers are great examples and they also help to make their little hands stronger when they manipulate the numbers in and out.
5. It is a good idea to count out loud by ones every time you get a chance. For example, say “You have five fingers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5” as you point at each finger on each of their hands.
6. There are quite a number of songs available online to teach kids to count with singing. Click here for one of these examples.
7. Children can be asked to “Get 2 cookies,” “Pick 3 books,” or “Ask 1 question”. This will help them to understand that each number has a value.
8. The pattern of counting is very important when kids learn to count. As a practical example, start counting from one to twenty. After that start from 1 to 9 again as this will show the pattern that repeats.
Click here to read more about the games that you can play to improve concentration or how to teach your kids to tell the time.
