How to Teach a Child to Count

Repetition is the key to teaching your child how to count. Saying the numbers over and over again will help your child master them. Even when your child counts out of order or forgets some, realize that he is at least learning the names of the numbers. When he begins to understand how to count one object at a time and then to recognize numerals, he will have a good foundation on which to build other math skills like adding and subtracting.

Things You'll Need

  • 12 to 22 pieces of paper
  • Markers or crayons
  • Stapler
  • Deck of cards

Instructions

    • 1

      Give your child twelve pieces of paper on which he can draw sets of objects. Use two pages for the front and back covers and use the remaining pages for numbers one through 10. Ask him to draw one object for the first page, then two objects for the next page, and so on. Then help him to write the corresponding number on each page. Read this book with him often. If your child is older, make a book that goes up to number 20.

    • 2

      Include counting in your everyday activities. For example, if you are playing with blocks with your child, count out loud how many blocks are in your tower. If you are setting the table, count out loud the number of plates or napkins. Developmental psychologist Judith Hudson on the Baby Center website says as your child gets older, he will begin to understand that when something is added or taken away, the number of objects in the original set correspondingly increases or decreases. So, if you have a guest coming over for dinner, for example, point out that you are adding one more plate and then count them out loud.

    • 3

      Create a counting treasure hunt. Make ten picture clue cards for the objects you want your child to find. For example, write the number five and draw five blocks on the card. He will need to count the number of objects on the card if he cannot recognize numerals yet, which gives him extra counting practice.

    • 4

      Teach your child to play ̶0;Go Fish.̶1; Your child will better familiarize himself with the numbers when you ask for cards with a certain number. When it is his turn, he can count the hearts, clubs, diamonds or spades on the card if he cannot recognize the corresponding numerals.

    • 5

      Teach your child counting songs. ̶0;One, Two, Buckle My Shoe̶1; or ̶0;Five Little Monkeys̶1; are preschool favorites that help children learn to count. Pretend to shut the door or tie your shoe when you sing ̶0;One, Two, Buckle My Shoe,̶1; or use five pictures of monkeys or stuffed monkeys to sing ̶0;Five Little Monkeys̶1; to give your child a visual representation.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Why Play is Important
            Play is more than just fun for kids. It’s how they learn, and how they work out who they are and where they fit in the world. The basics Playing is one of the most important things you can do with your child. The time yo
    • How to Estimate a Child's Future Height & Weight
      Children hear it all of the time: Youre growing up so fast. Pretty soon youll be as tall as your father! Its fun trying to predict whether Jimmy will be tall and lanky like his uncle Ray or take after the shorter, stouter relatives on his mothers sid
    • Rosary Activities for Children
      Children are able to grasp easily the concepts with which they have hands-on experience. When teaching them to pray the rosary, it is possible to make the experience an engaging one by using various activities. Whether it is coloring, singing, crafti