Counting forms the foundation for more complicated math concepts. The child will be able to move on and learn more complicated ideas once they have grasped the basics.
This article provides some fun ways to make counting more accessible for kids through gamification.
Great Counting Activities For Kindergarten
We believe learning doesn't have to be boring. Here are some games and activities that will help you spark your creativity. Many of these projects are simple and easy to do yourself. They also make great math practice activities.
1. Bear
This is a great way to teach children how to recognize numbers and match objects. This is a fun way for students to learn how to count to ten.
You can use adorable printable cuddly bears with numbers on the bellies to do this activity. The child will choose one of the cards and identify the number, then place or clip other objects onto the card to complete the amount.
For added entertainment, you can use any type of material, including rocks, counting sticks and pins.
You will need the following:
- Printable bear cards by Simply Kinder
- Use small counting techniques
The cards can be laminated to make it reusable and more durable.
2. The Turkey Challenge
The Turkey Game can be a fun way to teach your child about counting.
Start by drawing your hand on brown construction papers. It can be cut out. Next, give the child help to cut "feathers", shapes out of colored construction. Now let's get started.
Each player gets one turkey. The winner is the player who has more feathers on his "bird".
Here is a list with all the supplies needed for this activity.
- Cube
- Construction paper in brown, orange, and red
- Shears
- Pen
This game can be played alone or with friends. The game may last longer depending on how many feathers are available.
Education.com, where we found the game, recommends that you play five rounds before you stop and count.
3. Skyscraper Fun With "Stack It!" Printables
We are sure your child enjoys building with Legos and Unifix cubes. This activity allows children to develop fine motor skills, have fun building and learn how to count.
The object of the game is for cubes to be stacked on the number. Use a printable with numbers and box location to encourage the child count Unifix cubes. Attach them to the correct spot, and prompt the child.
Although these rules are easy to follow, there is another layer that can complicate the activity. The prompt boxes that have numbers on them can be colored so the child can match the color to the toy.
Here are some tips to help you get started.
- Printable with numbers and colored boxes (laminated is better against wear-and tear).
- Unifix or Lego cubes
Check out the activity and the "Stack it!" printable on thekindergartenconnection.com.
4. Coloured Beans
This game involves grouping and counting colored beans and placing them in a matching bowl.
Three to five-year-olds can pick up the beans and match them to the cups. Multitasking allows them to develop fine motor skills as well coordination and color recognition.
This setup can be used to teach simple addition.
What you will need:
- Biodegradable cups
- White lima beans
- Use colorful markers
The original source of the activity, theimaginationtree.com, says that, although you have to get your hands messy with colorful markers while painting the beans and the cups, everything is justifiable to see kids happy!
5. Accurate "Hailstones"
The objective of the activity is to teach your child how to count from 1 to the desired number. If your child loves to play with the ball, this game can be very enjoyable. Learning shouldn’t be boring.
Make some "snowballs" from paper. Crumble them into a shape.
For children who are just beginning to count, you can simply throw ten "snowballs", or as many as you like into one bucket. The game can be rearranged to suit your needs.
- Asking questions can help you add or subtract layers
- You can make it a team activity. Each bucket is assigned to one participant.
- Play with a few close friends and compare your results
These are the materials that you will need to complete the activity.
- Use as many paper balls to your learning target number as you like
- Bucket(s)
This game can inspire you to create more. Visit weareteachers.com to see the original.
6. Number-Chain Links: Cards
This is a simple way to teach children how to count and recognize numbers.
You can print your cards or use the printable. The card should include a number and space for you to punch a hole. For younger children, the card may also include links to images.
The simplest variation of this activity is to connect as many links as possible to the hole and one another as shown on the card. Colorful manipulatives can add another layer of complexity. One of these options is possible:
- Only connect the color indicated (for example, four links in red)
- Connect two or more color sequences without allowing them to be connected
There are no limits to the number of rules you can come up with. You can make it fun and new. Here are the things you will need:
- Printouts with numbers or shapes
- A device used to cut a hole in a surface
- Links made of plastic
This helps numbers "materialize" to objects that can be visualized. It is easier to see the difference between the two numbers if links are attached to the cards.
7. Recite Number Rhymes
For kindergarteners, singing is an enjoyable activity that can be liberating. It is a great way to get kids to express their energy, especially if they are in kindergarten.
Counting rhymes are charming and perfect for children. These themes can be based on simple objects or fairy tales. One of the most famous is "The Ants Go Marching", which involves counting ants and adding one after another.
You can also try these other songs.
- "Five Jellyfish"
- Five little frogs that had green and specks, Sat on a lily pad in the water so deep. One jumped off and then there were four, Four green, speckled frogs near the shore.
- "Here are the Beehives"
- Five tiny ducks went out one day, O'er the pond they waddled away. Mama Duck said, "Quack-quack-quack," But only four little ducks came back.
You only need to sing acapella if you are teaching kindergarten. You can use your smartphone or music player as a speaker.
8. Cards and Rocks
This activity is very similar the "Numberchains" activity. This activity involves counting and grouping small objects close to the card with the indicated number.
This is the guideline:
- Cards or number cubes
- Many small-to-medium-sized rocks (buttons and shells, counting bears or other small manipulatives) are available.
Although the game is simple to set up, it will help your child diversify their learning and help them see bigger and smaller numbers as well as their relationship.
9. Search for Nature's Products
With the rise of computers and video games, it's becoming increasingly difficult to encourage children to play outdoors. However, children's development is influenced by fresh air and physical activity.
This is an excellent opportunity to get your child involved in outdoor activities.
The sidewalk or driveway can be marked with chalk. You may ask the child to help. After the grid is set up, instruct the child how to find a number of objects and where they can be placed on each number.
Although a sunny afternoon may be necessary, this activity doesn't require much preparation.
- Whitish limestone material used for writing on blackboards
- Searching for the right things in life is a child's passion
You can invite your friends to join you on the hunt. This makes it more social. You will have fun with your kids as they discuss the various items that can be used for each number.
10. Tabletop Games
Who doesn't like board games?! Playing a board game with your child can make a relaxing family night.
There are many ways to practice one-by-1 counting and learning the larger number. Chutes and Ladders, while there are many to choose from, is my favorite. It will teach the child to play by themselves, and also how to share the responsibility with their family. They won't know they are learning math.
The only thing you will need is the game kit. It isn't very expensive. It should include:
- The printout
- Cube
- Figuring out how to play
Parents.com offers more information about this game.
What supplies do you need for these activities?
Gamifying study time is a great way to encourage kids to learn, even if they don't realize it. Some activities require a lot more preparation. Some of these activities can be done as quickly as pulling out a piece of paper from the closet. Let's look at what you need to teach your children counting.
Teaching aids
Manipulatives can be described as objects that are used in teaching to aid the learning process. These tools include counting sticks, colored counters, counting blocks, cubes, and many other types.
We have briefly discussed some manipulatives but we also discuss how to use colored beans, rocks and other materials. It doesn't matter if you have a ready-made manipulative or if you make it yourself.
Printables and Game Kits
The complete game kit may be required if you want to play a specific counting board game, such as the Chutes and Ladders.
You might find it cheaper to print the printable online if your manipulatives are already in your possession. To make it more useful, you can simply print it and laminate. A printable can be made easily by you.
Stationery
You may need specific stationery for DIY activities. In order to succeed, you will need scissors, colored markers or glue as well as construction paper.
At the end of it all
Learning how to count isn't difficult. Many of the activities mentioned are simple and enjoyable. Children won't even realize that they're learning something new.
They will also learn many skills, including social and math. These activities will increase curiosity and creativity.
People also ask
Every kindergartener needs to be able count. Games can make learning difficult concepts more fun. These are some additional questions regarding counting in preschool.
How do you make counting fun?
Gamification is a great way to make counting fun. Children will be more excited to learn numbers if you incorporate it into their daily chores, sensory activities, or games.
How high should kindergarteners be able to count?
A kindergarten graduate should be able to count up to 30. The goal is for kids to be able and confident in counting by one, two, three, and ten. Parents and teachers may also try to teach children how to count by fives.
How do you explain backward counting?
A child should know that counting backward subtracts numbers of the original number. This concept is important because it will help you later teach subtraction. Similar activities can be used for backwards counting.
How do you explain skip counting?
You can start skip-counting once your child can count backward and forward. This can be explained using regular number string. To skip counting, add two numbers to one.
To improve the perception of a concept, you can use games or other methodologies.
