10 counting ideas

Learning to count is one of the first stepping stones in gaining knowledge of number needed for further Maths skills. Reciting numbers in order comes first and often this is learnt by singing nursery rhymes and songs. The next key skill is 1:1 correspondence where numbers are attached to specific quantities or objects to show the understanding of their value. Initially this skill is best developed using concrete objects so that children can physically touch each one as they count.

When children are secure in the number system and able to count forwards and backwards in increments of one, you can begin to teach skip counting. Skip counting is the precursor to learning times tables. Emilia has began by skip counting in twos, fives and tens. Success with skip counting is down to children identifying and following patterns.

With all counting stages, children gain confidence by having frequent practise in a range of contexts. Below are 10 different ways to engage children in counting and they can be adapted simply to the different stages that your child might be at.

1. COUNTING BUTTON BEAR: This activity encourages number recognition and 1:1 correspondence by counting out the buttons. The the card strip also allow children to make links with one more and one less.

2. DUPLO TOWERS: This activity allows children to practise colour matching with counting practise. Building towers is great for children to develop the understanding of the value of numbers.

3. COUNTING TRAY: Playing with loose parts helps encourage counting through play. This is a tray of black dyed rice with gems and number cards. Rice trays are great for tracing and practising number formation too.

4. LOLLY STICK NUMBER PUZZLE: Lolly stick puzzles are great for linking counting and number recognition to your child’s interests. I cut up a picture from a magazine and numbered the pieces in skip counting of twos but it could be easily adapted for any pattern.

5. MILK BOTTLE LADYBIRDS: This activity was made by recycling milk bottle lids and adding spots. They could then be matched to the numerals or added together to make totals.

6: MISSING NUMBERS PEGS: Missing number sequences help children to build knowledge of number order and sequence. For this activity, numbers were added to pegs to fill the the gaps in lolly sticks.

7. FINGER PRINT FLOWERS: This activity combines painting with counting and it is a fun way to practise 1:1 correspondence as the finger prints were made.

8. 100 SQUARE PUZZLE: For this activity, children can begin to make a connection between the number system and place value by matching the pieces together to make a 100 square.

9. NUMBER PATHS: This activity was to encourage skip counting in twos. A path had to be coloured to get from one side of the grid to the other.

10. ROLL AND POP: This activity links addition with counting dice spots and popping the total. I wrote numbers on the reverse of bubble wrap to be popped.

For more activities encouraging early counting and number recognition skills, follow @myteachermummyandme on Instagram.