Understanding numbers is an indispensable factor in daily life. Most children learn to count and develop a general concept of the function of numbers when they attend kindergarten. This work is very important; prepares children for the more complex mathematical tasks they will have to face in the following school years. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Teaching Basic Concepts
Step 1. Teach to count
Show the children how to count from 1 to 10; most of the little pupils can memorize numbers and recite them like a song or a nursery rhyme. Make sure they always practice this basic skill when the opportunity arises.
Most of the time they learn best when they can use touch. Allow them to touch objects while they count; in this way they learn to associate the concept of number with quantity
Step 2. Show them the numbers
To get started, write 1 to 10 on a chalkboard or sheet of paper. Say them one by one out loud pointing at them with your finger as you count in ascending order. This simple method allows you to link counting skills to the graphic image of the number.
You can also use numbered cards; lift them one at a time, say the number imprinted and ask the child to find the same card in his deck. Have each child practice by saying the name of the number
Step 3. Explain the numbers
Start at 1 and take some time to teach them all. Write it both in letters and numbers; describe its meaning by showing a cube, finger or other object, and then move on to number 2.
Do not enter a new number until each child has understood what you are explaining; it is best to master one at a time
Step 4. Insert images
Many times they learn best when they can visualize a concept. For each value write the number and a drawing that represents it; for example, if you are describing 2, draw two eyes, two apples, or two flowers.
- Dice, domino pieces and dot cards are perfect teaching tools.
- For best results, let the children draw the objects themselves.
Step 5. Take advantage of the sense of touch
By using beans, cubes or other material objects, young learners can better grasp concepts; for example, when teaching the number 3, let them count three objects of some kind by touching them one at a time.
Step 6. Show them how to write numbers
When explaining one in particular, teach them how to spell correctly and let them try to copy it.
Be creative and fun! Describe number 1 as a tall, thin person with a big downturned nose; a little lightness and fun are essential to reinforce the numerical concepts in the memory of the little students
Step 7. Emphasize the importance of number sequences
This is a fundamental concept, which you can start teaching by drawing the line of numbers on the board or on a piece of paper: draw a line on which the numbers appear at regular intervals, ordered from left to right.
Help the children understand the sequence by having them rearrange a deck of cards or count incorrectly so they can correct you
Step 8. Teach the concept of counting
When the children understand numbers and sequences, you can ask them to count starting from any digit and not just 1. Demonstrate this using cards or other materials: if the child has a deck of 5 cards and adds 2, it makes more sense that the count resumes from 5 without starting over from 1; he must then continue counting for two more cards by saying "six" and "seven". In the future, this simple skill will form the basis of the concept of addition.
Method 2 of 2: Strengthen Numerical Skills
Step 1. Propose number games
Once you have introduced the elementary concepts of number sequence and counting, you can reinforce them with games; the possibilities are practically endless. To get started you can try:
- Build a tower of cubes. Choose a certain number or consider what you are explaining and create a tower made up of the corresponding amount of cubes.
- Building stairs. Make towers using cubes and divide them by height. Start with a tower made up of a single cube, place it next to one of two cubes, then build one of three elements and so on; this activity reinforces the concept of sequence and the connection between physical dimensions and quantity.
- Play board games. Many of these activities require children to recognize the number of dots on the data and to advance their pawn by a respective amount of squares.
Step 2. Sing nursery rhymes with numbers
These rhymes and songs help young learners recognize numbers and their sequence.
Step 3. Make use of picture books
There is an infinity of books that have numbers as a theme and that are dedicated to preschool and kindergarten children; choose the ones that have bright colors and lots of figures.
Step 4. Ask the children to tell you as often as possible the number of certain items
When they learn to count naturally, ask them to do it for you. How many dishes do you need to set the table? How many books do you have to take off the shelf? How many candies are there?
Step 5. Emphasize the relationship between numbers and quantities
Organize games where they have to understand the connection between the number and its quantity. For example, you can ask them to count beans, then add or subtract some; then, have them tell you what the new number of beans is and if they are more or less than before.
Step 6. Introduce the tables of ten numbers
Draw a rectangle made up of 10 smaller squares (two rows of 5) and add dots or color sections of the rectangle to represent particular numbers.
Step 7. Propose comparison exercises
Explain that the numbers gradually get larger from 1 to 10. Set up two groups of objects (beans, cubes, and so on) on the table, one on the right and one on the left. Ask the little ones to tell you which group has the most elements and then let them count them to know the exact amount; emphasizes the fact that one number is greater than the other.
You can use this technique to explain the concept of equality. You can prepare groups with an identical number of elements (5 beans in each group or 10 cubes and so on); let the children notice and explain the meaning to them
Advice
- Encourage them as much as possible to use their number skills in everyday life; this method strengthens mathematical concepts far more than any lesson.
- Praise them when they master some knowledge and don't scold them if they make mistakes. If you stick to positive reinforcement techniques as much as possible, children are more motivated to learn and feel more confident in their skills.
