10 ways to learn to count to ten

Emilia has always loved learning letters but finds numbers a little trickier so that’s what inspired this blog post. This includes 10 games we played that promote counting and number recognition. This has definitely helped her number knowledge. Late August, we started 10 days of number games #countingfun so check out more ideas on my instagram because we post ideas daily (@myteachermummyandme)

So here it is, 10 ways to aid counting and number recognition …

1. SHAVING FOAM HUNT: Hide objects in shaving foam and get your child to find them, counting how many they found. Then play in reverse, you being the hunter.

2: CAR RAMP COUNTING: This ones for the garden. Place out numbers on post its and make simple score cards with numbers 1-9 (We made 10 a forfeit). Race the car down and tick off the closest number.

3. SENSORY RICE DRINKS MENU: I had previously made a huge batch of sensory rice in a range of colours that we used for this activity (Just add colouring, 1 tsp of vinegar, mix and lay out to dry). Then I made a simple recipe with coloured dots. Emilia had to count the dots to put the correct amount of scoops in the ‘drink’. She loved this game and played for ages after too.

4. POM POM TWEEZER COUNT: This is great for improving muscles strength in the hand to aid writing. I just placed numbers out and Emilia had to tweezer the correct number of Pom Poms to match.

5. BOUNCING ON BUBBLE WRAP: I cut up bubble wrap in ten pieces and wrote numbers on them. We laid them out and I called numbers out and she had to jump on that number the corresponding amount of times.

6. SMARTIES COLOUR COUNT: Great for practising colours and counting. I drew circles and added numbers to them. Emilia had to put the correct amount of smarties in the circles.

7. JUMPING IN MUDDY PUDDLES: Emilia is a huge Peppa Pig fan and loves puddle jumping. I drew out 6 puddles with numbers and used the hose to add water. I called numbers out and she had to jump in that puddle.

8. BUILDING BLOCK PRINTING: I drew round building blocks and wrote a number inside. Emilia had to print the right amount in the correct colour. Perfect colour and counting activities.

9. ICE HAND: I filled a rubber glove with a selection of objects, (Pom poms, counters, stones, beads, bottle lids all work well), Filled with water, sealed and froze over night. I then revealed the ice hand with a story about her favourite character Elsa and Emilia had to melt it with warm water and brushes to get the objects out to count.

10. CANDLE COUNTING: I wrote numbers on cupcake cases and Emilia used playdoh to make ‘cakes’ and add the correct amount of candles. Great game to play with the play kitchen. Emilia loves a bit of role play so enjoyed this game lots.