Understanding what numbers and numbers mean is crucial in our day-to-day life. In kindergarten, most children learn to count and develop a basic view of how numbers work. This work is important because it prepares them for the more complex mathematical tasks they will face in the following years.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Teach them the basics
Step 1. Teach them to count
Teach children to count from one to ten. Most children remember the first ten digits quite easily and learn to recite them, sometimes in the form of a song or a poem. Have them practice these exercises whenever you have the chance.
Many children learn best when they use touch. Let the children touch the objects they are counting. This will help them better understand the concept of numbers
Step 2. Introduce the numbers
To start, write the numbers one to ten on the board or on a piece of paper. Say each number out loud by pointing at it. Introduce them to each number one at a time. This exercise makes a connection between the ability to count and the image of number.
You can also use cards. Pick up a card with a number on it, say it out loud, and then have the children find the same number in their decks of cards. Ask each child to give their name
Step 3. Discuss each number
Start with the number 1 and spend a little time on each number. Write it down in numbers and letters. Illustrate its meaning by pointing to a cube, finger, or other unique item. Then go to number 2.
Try not to take the next step if you are not sure that all of the children have understood correctly. It is better to understand these numbers one by one
Step 4. Embed images
Many children learn more easily if they can visualize a concept. For each number, write its value and draw what it represents. If you teach them the number 2, for example, draw two eyes, two apples or two flowers.
- Dice, dominoes or cards with dots also work well.
- For best results, let them do the illustrations themselves.
Step 5. Engage their sense of touch
Use beans, cubes, or other tangible objects to help them better understand the concept. When teaching the number 3, for example, let each child count something to three by touching each object in turn.
Step 6. Show the children how to write the numbers
When discussing a particular number, teach the children to write it correctly. Let them write the numbers themselves.
Be creative and fun! Tell them that the number 1 has a slim waist and a slash that doubles as a big nose. Make things funny and entertaining for the kids to record the information
Step 7. Emphasize the importance of the order of the numbers
The order of the numbers is an important concept. Start by teaching them this concept by drawing a series of numbers on the board or on a piece of paper. Make the numbers appear one after the other, from left to right.
Help them figure out the sequence of numbers by having them sort the cards in the correct order or counting incorrectly to trick them into detecting your mistake
Step 8. Teach them to "keep counting"
Once they understand the concept of numbers and their order, you can teach them to count from any number and not just from number 1. Illustrate this concept with cards and others. materials. If a child has a stack of 5 cards and adds 2, it will be more efficient for the child not to have to recount the first 5 cards. Instead, it can continue to count the next two digits: "six, seven". Later, this concept will be the basis of the addition.
Method 2 of 2: Build their capacity
Step 1. Play basic number games
Once you have introduced them to the basic concepts of counting and ordering numbers, you can reinforce their knowledge with games. There are an almost endless number of possibilities. To get started, you can try out several games.
- Build a tower of cubes. Pick a number or number that you are currently working on and create a tower made out of that number of cubes.
- Make stairs. Still using cubes, make turns that you will arrange in order of size. Start with a single cube, then two cubes stacked next to the first, then three behind the last two, etc. This will help to reinforce the concept of order and they will make the connection with the physical quantities.
- Play board games. Many board games require children to recognize the number of points on a die and move their pawn a number of squares corresponding to that value to advance.
Step 2. Sing along
Basic counting songs and rhythms help children remember numbers and their order.
Step 3. Use picture books
There are a large number of books for learning to count for kindergarten children. Choose the ones with bright colors and beautiful images.
Step 4. Ask “How much?
" as often as possible. When they count naturally, ask them to do so. How many plates do you need to set the table? How many books have you taken off the shelf? How many candies do you have on hand?
Step 5. Emphasize the relationship between numbers and quantities
Play games that require the child to understand the relationship between numbers and the corresponding quantities. For example, ask them to count a number of beans, then have them add and remove some. Tell them to guess the new number and tell you if it is higher or lower than the previous one.
Step 6. Show them ten frames
Make a rectangle made of 10 small squares (two rows of five). Draw colored dots or spots in the corners of the rectangle corresponding to specific numbers.
Step 7. Train them to compare the numbers
Explain that the numbers grow from 1 to 10. Using beans, cubes or other materials, form two groups on a table or desk, one on the left and one on the right. Let the children tell you which side has the highest value. Then ask them to count to tell you the correct value. Note that the number is higher than the one on the other side.
You can also teach them the concept of equality using this technique. Make the two groups equal (put 5 beans on each side or 5 cubes for example). Let the children find out for themselves, then explain the concept to them
Advice
- Encourage them to use this knowledge in everyday life. More than just reading, it will strengthen their mathematical knowledge.
- Praise them as they understand these concepts and don't scold them when they are wrong. Children will be more motivated to learn and gain confidence in their abilities if you do as much positive reinforcement as possible.
