Your kid learns something new and acquires a tonne of abilities on their own through their environment every day. Studies say that introducing math to your child at an early age plays a significant part in a child's growth. Math is not only just numbers and counting; it's also about different shapes, comparing sizes, ordering and comparing objects, seeing patterns and counting everyday objects.
Around the age of two, a child can begin to show an aptitude for learning numbers and counting. Your toddler can start learning to count with educational toys and hear from you repeatedly. But they might have trouble distinguishing between different numbers since some of them appear same.
Are you wondering how to teach your toddler numbers? Worry not! Here’s a guide on numerous activities you can do at home to teach babies and preschoolers numbers and counting.
Strategies for Teaching Toddlers to Count and Recognize Numbers
You'll be surprised at how easy it is to teach your child to count and how quickly they pick it up once you start showing them how and what to count. You can easily incorporate numbers into ordinary conversation.
Your youngster will quickly learn to count if you use these suggestions during the activities listed below.
1. Introduction to numbers
An introduction to numbers is the capacity to count or recognize numbers. Toddlers can understand the meaning of a number when they can count how many objects are provided to them. Counting and associating the two eyes with the number 2 or the four wheels of a car with the number 4 is an example of what the number means in real life. You can also teach them number rhymes.
2. Count food
Make use of meal time as a teaching opportunity! This is an excellent method for practising counting if your youngster is motivated by snacks, candies etc. Ask them to count how many cookies, candy, crackers, etc. you are giving them. As they count, ask them for a specific number, which you will then provide. Make them count the blueberries, gummies or chicken nuggets on their plate.
3. Use educational toys and puzzle games
Children learn best while they are playing. Due to their ability to manipulate an object, hands-on learning is by far the best method for children to learn numbers. However, you can't simply count aloud to your toddler and expect them to understand the concept of numbers. They can see, feel, and learn the meaning of each number by playing with educational puzzle game or Montessori toys.
4. Number flashcards
Through the use of flashcards, kids can learn not just numbers but also colours, shapes, animals, birds, fruits, vegetables, transportation, and more. They can be wonderful educational games for children. Flash cards for 6 year olds enhance motor development and improve math skills.
5. Jigsaw puzzles
Preschool jigsaw puzzles that are easy to complete help kids build visual reasoning, perseverance and problem-solving abilities. Ask your youngster to move the pieces by turning, flipping, sliding, and wriggling them. Children's hand-eye coordination and finger strength are developed by picking up, manipulating, and twisting puzzle pieces.
6. Growth chart
Using a preschool growth chart, you can help your youngster improve his or her early numeracy abilities. This is so that kids can associate math and numeracy concepts like height and measurement to something concrete, like themselves, which makes them easier to learn.
7. Count the objects while on a walk
Point out all the objects you can count in the neighbourhood or in nature as you stroll outside with your young child. Ask your child about the number of cars in the driveway, the number of houses on the street, the number of trees in your yard, the different shapes of the objects etc. There are so many possibilities outside to count and learn!
It's an exciting but tough experience to teach your toddler about numbers! It's crucial to start out slowly, play with manipulative number toys, and repeat numbers frequently. To keep children interested and eager to learn, try to vary the activities you undertake with them. Your youngster will learn new skills rapidly if you continue to be consistent in your teaching methods.