When and How to Teach Numbers to Kindergarten?

Understanding numbers is a crucial skill for kindergarten students to master. Since infancy, children have been exposed to and observed various mathematical concepts such as quantity comparison and pattern recognition. When your child reaches preschool age, you can begin teaching him or her numbers in a fun and interactive way.

It is simple to teach children numbers. Parents can encourage their children to associate numbers with daily activities. They will, however, not fully comprehend the meaning of numbers until they are around five years old.

When Should You Teach Your Child Numbers?

After your child turns one, you should begin introducing numbers to her. Begin with number rhymes such as "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe," "Ten Green Bottles," or "I once caught a fish alive." You can also point out common objects or events in their lives, such as one apple, two dogs, three chocolates, and so on. You can make number learning fun and enjoyable for your child.

How to Teach Preschoolers Numbers

Here are some pointers to help you teach preschoolers numbers:

  1. Use Number Rhymes to Teach Counting

Kindergartners can learn numbers in a fun way by using rhymes and songs. Number songs and rhymes such as '10 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed,' 'This Old Man - He Played One,' 'The Ants Are Marching One by One Hurrah,' and others can be used to teach children about numbers in a fun and engaging way. As you sing with your child, show the numbers on your fingers so that the child understands that each number corresponds to a certain number of fingers.

  1. Include Numbers in Daily Tasks

In daily tasks that your child does with you, use numbers. For instance, ask your child to help you set the table by placing one fork or two spoons on each plate. You could also get her to count peas or apples, which will help her connect numbers to quantities. Another idea is to encourage her to count her toys as she assists you in putting them away after playing.

  1. Participate in Number Games with a Group of Children

When children play with one another, they learn more effectively. You can motivate the group by encouraging healthy competition among them. Gather them in a circle and have them take turns counting numbers.

  1. Write down numbers and have the child draw the corresponding quantity.

Put numbers in a drawing book and have your child draw something that represents that number. Write 3 and ask her to draw three flowers, for example. For number four, have the child draw four ice cream cones. You can also do the opposite by drawing a number of quantities of an object and asking your child to count them and tell you the total.

  1. Highlight numbers on billboards and vehicles

You can help your child recognize numbers by sight by pointing out numbers on billboards or vehicles when you go out with her. This will come in handy when your child starts writing numbers.

  1. Use Connect the Dots to teach the Order of Numbers.

This game teaches children the numerical order. Make a shape with numbered dots on a chalkboard. Then, assist your child in connecting the dots to draw that shape. You could, for example, use 8 dots to make an octagon shape and assist your child in drawing an octagon. You can also purchase connect-the-dots books, which contain a variety of drawings outlined by numbered dots. To draw the shape, these dots must be connected sequentially. Allow your child to colour the shape once it has been drawn to make the game more enjoyable.