Will you teach your child how to count and remember numbers? These simple tips can help you get started if that's the case. Some are good for kids of all ages, while others are only good for kids of a certain age.
Using Cards
It looks great and is easy to make. You'll need some construction paper or cardstock, some pictures (I used carrots), and scissors to make your counting cards. Put your baby on the floor and show him number one. "That's one," you say. One carrot only. What is the number of carrots? Tell your child to say "One" over and over again. You should make a point.
Don't worry if your child stops caring after just one card. Since you can only teach one number at a time, you're already doing well. Small children, especially boys, can't pay attention for long. Don't try to force it. I'd do it again the next day, and if he kept sitting, I'd move on to number 2.
You can stop here if your child can sit still through number three. Before adding more, make sure he can count up to three pictures on the cards. "Where is it?" asked the person. He should be able to show you the card with the number one on it. What will happen to both of them? He should be able to say at least two things that show this.
Once he knows which card goes with which number, you can move on to the next step. Keep doing it this way until he can count the pictures independently. Over time, he will learn to sit still for long stretches, especially if you make it fun.
Number Puzzles
Puzzles are fantastic. A dollar store is where it was bought. Please sit down and work on the puzzle with your child to teach him something. Tell him the name of each number he is returning. Tell him to say them again. Use the numbers to play by giving them goofy voices and interacting with your child via them. (Deep voice) Hello, my name is Six! My belly is pretty big. What are you called? He'll like it if you do silly things.
Bears and Chips in Your Pocket
I think I bought these from Walmart. Your child can learn to count in a fun way with them. Everything you already have in your home can be used. Put them near your child, so you can help him count them. Start with a small dose and then up it as he gets better.
Number-Based Toys
There was a yard sale where you could buy these. I like to tell my child the name of the number and a little bit about it in a funny voice. Then I'll show them to my child and ask him to pick a few.
Flashcards
Fun flashcards always have a number on one side and a picture on the other. I like showing my kid the number and explaining what it means before flipping the card over and having him count how many items are on the other side. For them, it's always fun to see what picture is on the back.
After a few numbers, ask your kids to point to certain numbers. "All right, where are the three?" has the little one pointed to the third one. Excellent work! So that makes all three! What will happen to both of them? A child doesn't choose the right card. Uh-oh! You're getting close! Where did the other two go? If he can't find it, help him. Then heap praise on them!
Books
Children can learn a lot from number books and books that help them count. Children like to look at books and might not even realize they are learning simultaneously. The books I write are in Spanish. But these two are just as good, and you can read them in English.
Dotted Patterns
Making these kinds of cards is easy for a game about finding dot patterns. First, lay out the card with the number one, the card with the matching dot pattern, the card with the number two, and the card with the matching dot pattern. Tell your child to match the composite cards with the dot pattern cards that go with them. After he learns how to match, give him more cards to match. Help him count the dots on the dot trend cards and figure out what number goes with each one.
Counting Cookie Smart Snacks
We like this toy. Playing with all of these with your child is a great way to help them learn to remember and count. Make believe you're hungry and want some cookies. Your child says, "I'm very hungry!" Let me eat number two, please. Act as if you're going to eat the cookie your child gives you. If your child gives you the wrong cookie, act upset, like you want to cry, and ask again for number two. When you act so dramatically, kids often find it funny.
Education-related placemats
These are inexpensively priced at Walmart. Eating can be a teaching experience if you approach it with the right attitude. Even your little kid can figure out how much to eat. You could also ask how many he wants. Another fun way to sneak in a lesson is to use numbers and count while kids eat snacks.
Flooring Tiles
I found several of them at a yard sale for a very low price, but you can also buy them on Amazon and at Toys R Us. I like to set them up by number in a hopscotch pattern. Then I play hopscotch with the kids and say the numbers I land on. Tell your child to do what you are doing. You can also tell them to jump when you call out certain numbers.