How do I help students in Kinder count?

Question

counting

numbers

kinder

kindergarten

math

skills

counting

writing

students

Answer 1

There's two basic parts of counting (at least how I see it, for pre-k or k students): saying the numbers in the right order (rote memorization) and one-to-one correspondence (counting items accurately).

If the student is having trouble with number order, songs and chants are often effective in helping them memorize the numbers in order. (Ie, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, once I caught a fish alive. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, then I let it go again..."). Counting while moving can help cement the numbers in their head: "Lets do 15 jumping jacks!" That's also a good way to target frequently missed or confused numbers. If they always 14, for example, do 14 jumping jacks, 14 sit ups, 14 lunges, etc. Always start with "Lets do 14 ___" and when you finish, say, "We did 14 __" to remind them what they just did. Add on more as they improve: "13, 14! What's after 14? Right, 15!"

If your student likes writing, writing the numbers in order or filling in missing numbers can be an effective exercise (and has the added bonus of them seeing/ memorizing the shape of each number, plus fine motor practice). Or, they can copy after you as you write and count up to your target number. (Whiteboards are great for this - saves paper!)

Other activities include number puzzles, arranging magnetic numbers, and putting number flashcards in order. If you're short on materials, you can make your own, like writing numbers on plastic bottle caps or legos/blocks you already have, and challenge them to count and put them in the right order.

If they are having trouble counting accurately, have them slow down as they count. If they're counting pictures, have them circle or cross out each item they already counted so they don't double-count, and so they don't miss any. If they're counting real objects, lining them up in a straight row as they go can help them visually see which ones have been counted and which they still need to count. Using a 10 frame to the same effect can also help (and leads into counting by 10s)

And if you don't mind screen time, there's plenty of games online that practice counting skills (abcya, abcmouse, etc). It allows for more independent practice. Just make sure to have a good parental filter or closely monitor their use of tech!

Answer 2

In Kindergarten there are several ways to help your child learn their numbers. For example, help your child visualize the numbers by creating an activity that allows them to gain a sense of what the number 4 for example represents. How about using popsicle sticks and encouraging your child to count up to the number 4. How about using apples and having them count up to the number 4. Next, you can have your child write the numbers 1-5 on a sheet of paper or you can write it for them and they can trace it!