Preschool Education - Counting

Teaching Your Preschool Students to Count

Counting is a very important part of life.  We use numbers everyday and in everything we do.  It is easy to teach children to count.  By playing games, using toys, snacks and even each other, they can quickly grasp the idea and start counting the things around them.

The best way to start preschoolers counting is by using their own fingers.  Counting from one to ten by using their fingers can be fun.  Teach them with songs such as 10 Little Indians.  While singing the song that is always fun for preschoolers use your fingers as the Indians.  Count forwards and backwards once they have it down pat.  They will pick up quickly and enjoy their learning experience.

Make your own flash cards.  Use poster board and bright colors to make the numbers stand out.  Make sure the numbers are large, plain and simple to make it easier to see and to acknowledge.  As you show the children the numbers say them yourself first then have the children repeat them.  After a few tries they will be able to tell you the number you are holding up and before long they will even be able to tell you there are 4 books on the desk. 

Play games that will help preschoolers learn to count.  Remember the game Mother May I?  Use this game as a way to teach children numbers.  Tell them to turn around 2 times.  They in turn will ask you, “Mother May I turn around 2 times?”  Mother May I says yes and they turn around 2 times.  Before you know it they will catch on and be able to remember it’s 2 times and also be able to turn around 2 times with having to think about it too long.  Play along with them to show them how easy it is to do.

Teach children numbers during snack time.  Lay snacks out on a paper plate and have them count the number of snacks they have.  Tell them it’s snack time and everyone will have 1 drink and 3 cookies.  Then have them help you count the cookies out for each child.  Of course this could be a little difficult when it comes to getting the children not to eat the snacks before the counting is done but keep trying they will get it eventually.

Teaching preschoolers to count can be fun.  They learn quickly and if you’re having fun with it so will they.  Before you know it they will be walking up to you and telling you how many rings are on your fingers or how many pencils are in the holder.  This will help build a foundation for them when they start school and enter into the wonderful world of math and learning how much numbers are a big part of our lives.