Counting is an important skill that gives your kid another way to understand the world. As your kid starts to learn their numbers, your goal should be to give them positive experiences that make counting less of an abstract concept.
1) Number Toys
Tactile play is an incredibly important part of the Montessori method. You’ve probably already heard of the famous sandpaper letters, but did you know that you can get sandpaper numbers as well? The idea behind this kind of toy is to let kids memorize the shapes of numbers on both a visual and physical level. Students can study individual numbers, trace the shapes, and line them up in the correct order as they learn to count.
Other toys that fill this same purpose include printed wooden blocks, fridge magnets, and anything else that turns individual numbers into tactile objects. Check out your local toy store for fun options that fit your kid’s personality. If you want to make number toys at home, try printing numbers on decorated clothespins, popsicle sticks, or even clay sculptures. Just make sure that the text is clear enough for a small child to interact with.
2) Counting Toys
A counting toy doesn’t necessarily have numbers printed on it, but it’s still an essential tool for understanding the abstract concepts of math. The abacus, while not technically a Montessori toy, is still a classic cultural example of this kind of counting tool.
The best counting toys are made from safe materials, sized appropriately for little hands, and designed to be easily used and put away. Beads on a string are always a good choice, but you can also have fun with figurines, blocks, or really anything that comes in a countable set.
3) Math Snacks
Healthy snacks are a great way to drive engagement, especially if your little student loves to help around the kitchen. Number salad is a game where your child makes a fruit salad that represents each of the numbers. Ask your kid to fill a bowl with one apple slice, two orange slices, three cashews, four grapes, and so on. You can use any kind of fruit you like – just remember to let your kid do the counting.
If your kid is learning to write numbers, try having them help you decorate a set of cookies. Have them write the numbers 1 through 12 on each cookie; if you prefer, you can write the numbers yourself and let your kid finish the decorating. When you’re done, you’ll have an amazing number-themed memory and a wonderful treat for the entire family.
4) Music and Media
Singing is a great way to make dry concepts more fun for little kids. Counting songs help contextualize numbers in the real world, making them easier to memorize and use later on. “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” is a classic counting song that has been passed down for generations. Many cultures have their own counting songs; if you’re musically talented, you can also write your own.
There are also plenty of short videos online that teach counting in a fun and colorful format. Some kids respond really well to this kind of content, especially if it’s used alongside other counting activities. Just make sure to watch each video before you show it to your kids; it’s the best way to avoid hidden messages and low-quality content.
Learning to count gives your kid the ability to understand and catalogue the world. Once you’ve completed the activities, help them bring counting into the rest of their life. Count the wheels on cars, the birds sitting on a telephone line, or anything else that your child sees. Slowly introduce larger numbers, and before you know it, your kid will have a great understanding of basic math.
