Number & Counting Games for Preschoolers: Ideas for Under-5s
Early parental help can significantly boost children's understanding of numbers, counting, and maths terminology.Concepts involving numbers and counting can sometimes be tricky for some preschoolers to grasp. Making sense of such concepts is important, though, because many aspects of children’s day-to-day lives will require an increasing understanding of numbers as time passes. Whether it’s knowing if a quantity of something is more or less than something else, how much of an ingredient is required in a mixture, or what change to expect from a purchase, children will need to grasp number-based concepts — and understand their real-world applications. What’s more, they’ll need to do this sooner rather than later if they’re to thrive, not least when they leave early years settings to begin school.

Early parental help can significantly boost children’s understanding of numbers, counting, and maths terminology. One of the key ways to help preschoolers is through number and counting games. What’s more, by using games and playful challenges, learning number and counting concepts will be fun! That fun element will be a key to both success and enjoyment. Indeed, learning through play is, as we know, the very best way for young children to learn. With that said, let’s take a look at some examples of games and fun challenges that under-fives can take part in. With supervision and guidance from adults, these are a great way to boost comprehension of number-based concepts in little ones — and support the EYFS curriculum.

First Create Some Number Cards

Making ‘number cards’ with your child will be a fun and useful first step.Making ‘number cards’ with your child will be a fun and useful first step. These could be as simple as small pieces of paper or card, each having a single large number written clearly on them. Alternatively, your child could take the opportunity to get more creative. For example, you and your child could make the numbers bright and colourful, have patterned in-fills, or even be made to look like animals or number ‘characters’ that have eyes. For the very young, start with numbers up to 5, or go to 10 or even 20 for older and more advanced children. Size-wise, perhaps aim for cards sized at about A6 (a quarter of an A4 sheet) or even A7 (A4 divided into 8).

Number Order Games

Once you have a set of numbered cards, first ensure your child recognises the numbers and can say their names. Then, get your child to jumble them up. They should then place each card on the table or other flat surface and try to move them back into the correct numerical order. The idea is to end up with the lowest number on the left, going in order until they have correctly placed the highest number on the right. Ask them to count them out loud, from left to right, once complete. Praising and congratulating them when they do well will encourage them but, of course, help them if they struggle at first.

Once they’ve mastered the first game, make it more challenging by asking them to reverse the numbers and, when complete, count the numbers backwards.

Getting More Advanced

When your child becomes more advanced, perhaps shake things up a bit by hiding a number and seeing if they can tell you which one is missing. Later still, you could even miss out all the odd numbers, so they have to play the game with only even numbers, then do it the other way around. Learning to count all the odd or even numbers will be another useful and practical skill as they get older.

Number ‘Dot’ Cards

Number 'dot' cards give children a practical example of the number's meaning and help them better understand quantities.A more advanced form of the number cards could depict the correct number of dots (or other drawn objects) instead of — or as well as — the actual written number. So, for example, the ‘3’ card could show a column or row of 3 round dots or squares or even something like 3 drawn strawberries — whatever your child likes! In a way, it’s a bit like traditional playing cards where each has both a number and the right amount of hearts, diamonds, clubs or spades on it, to match the number.

The benefit of this, more advanced type of card is that children will be able to see (and count), for example, two ‘dots’ on a ‘2’ card, four on a ‘4’ card, and so on. By using this approach, children will have a visual clue and practical example of the number’s meaning and, crucially, it will allow them to recognise and better understand quantities.

Introduce Simple Addition & Subtraction

When your child is more advanced using their number cards, a gradual introduction to simple addition and subtraction concepts will come easier — particularly if they use the cards with the numbers depicted with the dots/symbols. So, when you ask them what happens when they add a 2 and a 3 together, they will be able to count (or, with practice, recognise) the quantity of symbols on both cards. Before long, they’ll grasp the underlying concepts and be able to do it in reverse (subtraction). You could also consider adding mathematical ‘symbol’ cards into the pack, for example, ‘plus’ and ‘minus’ symbol cards.

TIP:

Ensure you give your child a round of applause when they get things right in any of these games — it will give them encouragement to keep going and also give them a sense of progress and achievement. Consider awarding them a prize or sticker to celebrate their achievements.

Number Matching Games

Dominoes are a great way for children to learn about number matching.This next game will require a set of dominoes or, if you don’t have a set, they’re also easy enough to make in a similar way to the number cards. As you may know, each half of every domino has a number of dots, most commonly from 1 to 6. So, for example, there might be two dots on one end and five on the other, with the dot formations being rather like those you’d see on dice.

Whether using real dominoes or a homemade paper alternative, this game is traditionally played with 2 people. However, for the purpose of today’s game, it can be played just as well by a solo child, although under-fives will benefit most if they have some adult supervision and feedback. The idea of the game is to lay down one domino. Then, the next domino will need to be laid alongside one end of it so that the touching numbers match. So, for example, if the first domino has a 2 at one end and a 5 at the other, the second domino will need to have at least one number that matches and that should be placed so the two matching numbers touch. This is repeated so more and more dominoes are added, each time with a matching number connecting to an existing domino. Although traditionally there is a winner and a loser in dominoes, if playing solo, the idea here is simply for children to learn to easily recognise the number of dots. It’s a great way for children to be able to instinctively know whether they are looking at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 dots — recognising the quantity and associated number will become instinctive if they practise.

Quantity Estimating Games

Counters can be used by children to learn maths vocabulary like more, less, taller, shorter, etc.Understanding whether a quantity of something is more or less than something else is an important concept for children to grasp. Similarly, being able to estimate a quantity is a useful and practical skill for little ones to master. Such concepts can easily be highlighted, and the skills mastered, using simple estimating games. Some examples follow.

With the help of your child, build two stacks of one kind of object (e.g. draughts counters, biscuits, drinks coasters, etc.) and ask your child to confirm which stack they think has more than the other — without actually counting. Take some away or add some and repeat the process. They’ll soon be able to confirm the answers more accurately and grasp concepts like more, less, taller, shorter, and so on. This is a simple but practical game that will exercise children’s estimating skills and improve maths vocabulary.

Once they’ve mastered simple stacks of identical components one directly on top of another, you could make the game more challenging. There are a few ways to approach this.

  • It can be achieved by making the stacks more complex, for example, in layers of different quantities — a pyramid format would be a good example.
  • Or, instead of using a stack of near-identical components, try using small piles of irregular items, e.g. vegetables or fruit. Due to the different sizes and shapes, these will be more of a challenge and will get children thinking and concentrating harder.Counting and estimating irregular-shaped items like tomatoes and fruit will be a more advanced challenge for preschoolers.

As before, perhaps take away or add more objects to one or more of the groups and ask them to estimate which has more and which has less. Also, ask them to estimate, using logic, how many components each group has. You could even take it a step further by adding piles of objects to scales. Ask your child which they think is going to be heaviest, which is lightest, and so on.

Such games and challenges are a great workout for children’s young brains and great ways to introduce new number- and quantity-based concepts to children’s worlds, all in a fun way. They will also help little ones introduce new maths terminology into their vocabulary.

The Shop Game

Playing shops is a great way to make counting, numbers, and even money fun!Pretending to be a shopkeeper or a shopper buying from one is a great next step for children. What’s more, they’ll naturally love playing shops having, no doubt, accompanied parents to real shops. This is where they can put all the things they’ve learned from the games above into practice. They can check they have the right quantities, weights or volumes or products, check they’re giving the shopkeeper the right amount of money, ensure that any change is correct — and so on! Playing shops is such a great way to master numbers, counting, estimating, weighing, addition, subtraction and more!

Numeracy Skills Boost Children’s Long-Term Outcomes!

We hope that today’s activity ideas, in the form of games, help your child to grasp maths terminology and number-based concepts like counting, subtracting, adding, comparing, and estimating. Learning through play is by far the best way for little ones to learn. And, by learning about the application of number concepts through games and activities, they will be able to experience real-life applications of them. It will naturally make more sense and make learning about numbers and counting child’s play!

What’s more, an early boost to numeracy skills has been proven to enhance outcomes for children even in the longer term. Studies show that the benefits of number mastery include a propensity to stay in education longer, better job prospects, and improved earning potential as adults. That’s the power of understanding numbers!

Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

Ofsted rates Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good ProviderLittle Cedars is a nursery & preschool offering high-quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.At Little Cedars Nursery in Streatham, we also take every opportunity to help children learn about numbers, how they work, their significance to everyday life, and the maths vocabulary that surrounds them. It’s all an important part of the EYFS curriculum and something they’ll benefit from profoundly as they grow older – crucially too in readiness for school. If you would like to explore the possibility of your child attending this wonderful nursery and preschool in London SW16, please get in touch or simply apply for a place (see the options below). Little Cedars Nursery is officially a Good Provider and supports eligible children through various government-funded childcare schemes, including those for eligible babies from just 9 months.

As well as being perfectly located for families looking for nurseries in Streatham, Streatham Common, Streatham Park and Streatham Hill, we may also suit those seeking high-quality childcare near Tooting, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.

Introducing Maths Words, Language & Concepts to Toddlers

Mathematics is an essential part of everyday life and an understanding of basic maths concepts is crucial for success in virtually all walks of life. Many children struggle with maths and have negative attitudes towards the topic, but this can change if they have the opportunity to learn maths words and concepts when they're very young.However, many children struggle with maths and have negative attitudes towards the topic. To prevent this, it is important to introduce maths concepts and vocabulary to children at a young age. Fortunately toddlers are at a period of development where they can learn and understand a range of maths words and concepts when given the opportunity. And, by introducing mathematical concepts and vocabulary to toddlers in a fun and engaging way, adults can help children develop a strong foundation in maths and foster a positive attitude towards the subject.

In today’s article, we will explore why it is important to introduce maths language and concepts to toddlers, how parents/caregivers can help those toddlers learn and understand them, and which specific maths-related words can be successfully introduced at this young age. We will also suggest some activities that parents can use to help their toddlers develop a good maths vocabulary.

What Type of Maths Words can Toddlers Learn?

Toddlers can learn and understand a range of maths words and concepts even at their young age. Here are some examples:

Number words

Toddlers can, of course, learn to recognise and say the names of numbers, such as one, two, three, and so on.

Counting concepts

Toddlers can understand the concept of counting i.e. learn to count objects such as toys etc.

Size words

Toddlers can learn to recognise and say size-related words, such as big, small, tall, and short. These all have their root in maths.

Shape words

Toddlers can also learn to recognise and say the names of shapes, which have their root in mathematics. For example, squares, triangles, circles, and rectangles.

Positional words

Toddlers can learn positional words, which again have a kind of root in maths, such as up, down, in, out, on, and off.

Comparatives

Toddlers can learn comparative words such as more, less, equal, the same, and different.

Measurement words

Toddlers can learn measurement-related words such as long, short, heavy, light, full, and empty.

Time words

Toddlers can also learn time-related words such as now, later, early, and late.

The important thing about learning maths words and vocabulary during day-to-day activities is that children don’t even know that they’re learning maths concepts — it comes naturally when nurtured as part of everyday life.

Why Introducing Maths Words to Toddlers is So Important

Introducing maths-related words and concepts to toddlers helps them develop problem-solving skills right from an early age.Introducing maths words and language to toddlers is all part of the EYFS curriculum at nurseries like Little Cedars and is important for several reasons:

It helps develop strong foundations. Introducing maths language to toddlers helps to develop a strong foundation for mathematical concepts that they can build on more fully later on. For example, when toddlers start hearing words such as “one,” “two,” “count,” “more,” and “less, they begin to develop a basic understanding of numbers, maths concepts and the real world use of counting.

It enhances problem-solving skills. Maths involves problem-solving, and introducing maths-related words and concepts to toddlers helps them develop these problem-solving skills right from an early age. For example, as toddlers learn to count, they also learn to recognise patterns in nature and objects around them. Identifying these patterns is one of the first steps towards developing problem-solving strategies.

Toddlers can learn and understand a range of maths words and concepts even at their young age.

It improves language skills. Introducing maths-related language to toddlers can also help improve their language skills, expanding both vocabulary and their ability to communicate effectively. That is incredibly important.

It prepares under-fives for school. Introducing maths words and language to toddlers will also help to prepare them better for when they start school. Once they start, they will already be familiar with the language around mathematics and numeracy and will therefore have a head start in understanding the more advanced maths concepts that school lessons will introduce.

Early maths skills in preschool, such as counting and recognising numbers, are strong predictors of later maths achievement and can help improve maths skills in the long term.

So, as well as helping to lay the foundation for a strong understanding of mathematics itself, introducing maths words and language to children when they’re toddlers helps them develop important additional skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

How to Help Toddlers Learn Maths Language

Parents can encourage toddlers to count objects such as their own fingers and toes, toys, blocks etc.Parents and caregivers can help toddlers learn maths words and maths-related language in a variety of ways. General examples include:

Counting objects; parents can encourage toddlers to count objects such as their own fingers and toes, toys, blocks, things in nature or even food items. This will help toddlers develop counting skills and help them start to understand the concept of numbers and what they mean in day-to-day life.

Reading books; parents can read toddlers books that will introduce maths concepts and vocabulary to them. There are many, many age-appropriate books available that use fun and engaging stories in order to teach basic maths concepts.

Singing songs; singing songs that involve counting and numbers can be a fun and interactive way for toddlers to learn maths-related words and language. Parents can even perhaps try to make up their own songs or rhymes to reinforce any specific maths concepts that they want to highlight to the child.

Playing games; parents can also play games with toddlers that involve counting, sorting, or perhaps even matching or comparing objects (some activity ideas follow below). These types of games reinforce maths vocabulary and can also help children develop problem-solving skills.

Using real-life situations; parents can use real-life situations such as cooking, tidying up or grocery shopping to introduce maths concepts and vocabulary to toddlers. For example, parents can ask toddlers to count the number of apples they need for a recipe, ask them to help sort items in the grocery basket, or count how many socks (or pairs of socks) are hanging on the washing line.

Incorporating maths words and language into everyday play and activities can really help toddlers learn and understand basic maths concepts in a fun and engaging way, without them perhaps even realising that they’re being taught mathematics per se.

Activity Ideas

Here are some more specific activity ideas that can help toddlers develop an understanding of maths concepts and vocabulary in a fun and engaging way:

Shape Hunts

Parents can go on a shape hunt with their toddlers, looking for shapes in the environment such as circles, squares, and triangles. If more than one child is involved, perhaps it could be developed into a competition with prizes. This activity can help toddlers learn the names of shapes and develop visual-spatial skills.

Toddlers can practise jumping on hopscotch numbers and parents can encourage them to say the numbers out loud.Number Hopscotch

Parents can create a hopscotch game using numbers. Toddlers can practise jumping on the numbers and the adult can encourage them to say the numbers out loud. This will help them develop number recognition and counting skills.

Measurement Activities

Parents can engage toddlers in measurement activities such as pouring water into different size containers or comparing the length of different objects. These activities can help toddlers understand measurement concepts and vocabulary such as volume, height, and length.

Pattern Recognition

Young children can look for shapes derived from maths such as circles, squares, and triangles.Parents can create simple patterns using objects such as blocks, toys, or coloured pencils, and ask toddlers to continue the pattern. This activity can help toddlers develop their pattern recognition skills and understand basic maths concepts such as repetition and sequencing.

Sorting Activities

Parents can provide toddlers with a variety of objects and ask them to sort them based on different attributes such as colour, size, or shape. This activity can help toddlers understand basic maths concepts such as classification and sorting.

Building Activities

Parents can provide toddlers with building blocks or other construction toys and encourage them to build structures using different shapes and sizes. This activity can help toddlers develop spatial reasoning and understanding of geometry.

It is never too early to start introducing maths concepts to children.Introducing maths words and concepts to toddlers is an important step in fostering their overall learning and development as well as in relation to success in mathematics itself. By teaching toddlers maths vocabulary and concepts at a young age, we can help them develop strong foundations in maths, enhance their cognitive development and language skills, and improve their attitudes towards maths. It is never too early to start introducing maths concepts to children, and by doing so, we can help them develop a lifelong appreciation of maths as well as nurturing a strong foundation for future success in many areas of their lives.

Nursery & Pre-School Places in Streatham, London SW16

A Nursery Place for Your Child in Streatham

Little Cedars is a nursery & pre-school offering high quality childcare in Streatham, near Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Common, Tooting Broadway, Furzedown, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.Ofsted rate Little Cedars Day Nursery as a Good Provider of childcare services.Little Cedars Nursery in Streatham invites parents of babies, toddlers and children under five to apply for a childcare place at the setting. We offer high quality childcare on weekdays, virtually throughout the entire year, and give little ones the very best start a child could ever ask for. As well as being somewhere to look after your child, we also nurture their learning and development, giving them a full early years education. We have a good Ofsted rating.

Come along to see for yourself — we’ll give you and your child a guided tour, answer any questions and you can see for yourself how well your little one will fit in. Please choose an option below to make contact, request a tour or to apply for a nursery/pre-school place and we’ll be delighted to help:

Little Cedars Nursery is located in Streatham, near Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Streatham Common, Furzedown, Tooting, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Common, Balham, Norbury and Colliers Wood.

Dyscalculia: FAQs for Parents

Around 5% of children of school age are thought to have dyscalculia.In today’s guide, we answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Dyscalculia, particularly in relation to children, including preschoolers. Around 5% of children of school age are thought to have dyscalculia.

Isn’t Dyscalculia like Dyslexia, but for Numbers?

Not really. Both conditions can make learning maths tricky, but they are quite different. Learn more about dyslexia here, or read on to learn about dyscalculia.

Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, has dyscalculia. So do pop stars Robbie Williams and Cher. Even Benjamin Franklin had the condition.

What is Dyscalculia?

Put simply, dyscalculia is a difficulty in understanding numbers. Indeed, it’s sometimes referred to as an arithmetic-related learning disability. Research into it is currently only at an early stage. People suffering from the condition will find all mathematical activities troublesome. Even concepts like whether a number is larger or smaller than another may be difficult to comprehend, so even more advanced mathematical concepts will be very difficult for sufferers to grasp. As with dyslexia, the condition can afflict people of any level of intelligence. However, there are thought to be possible links between dyscalculia and Asperger’s Syndrome or even Autism in some cases. Those with ADHD are also often prone to learning disorders like dyscalculia.

What are the Signs/Symptoms of Dyscalculia?

Children with dyscalculia have difficulty understanding number concepts.A few of the possible signs of dyscalculia include:

    • Difficulty understanding numbers and in acquiring mathematical skills;
    • Difficulty manipulating and comparing numbers and quantities;
    • Difficulty remembering number facts and procedures;
    • At pre-school age, children may have difficulty grasping the link between number symbol “4” and the word “four”;
    • They may also be unable to connect the number to the same quantity of objects;
    • Preschoolers may even be unable to grasp the concept of counting, what it all means and how it applies to everyday objects and scenarios;
    • They may also be unable to reliably count in the correct order, without error;
    • Once they start school, children with dyscalculia may have difficulty with simple addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, number facts and even mathematical symbols like + and -;
    • Graphs and charts based on numbers may seem meaningless to them;
    • Children with dyscalculia may use fingers to count long after their peers have moved on to mental arithmetic.They may also continue to use fingers to count long after their contemporaries have moved on to mental counting;
    • Dyscalculia can manifest itself in games, for example draughts and chess. A sense of direction and the planning of moves may not come naturally;
    • Even simple keeping of score during sports games like cricket, netball or football may be troublesome;
    • Later on, money management may also be a problem;
    • Older children who are aware that they have the condition may become anxious about attempting any mathematical problem. This could even turn into phobia around going to school and diminished self-confidence;
    • It’s also worth noting that many people who have dyscalculia may also have problems with their memory;
    • The condition may also adversely affect how well the brain and eyes work together. This can make coordination and judging of distances more difficult.

Please note: with all the possible symptoms mentioned in this guide, having symptoms does not necessarily prove the existence of the condition. It’s therefore important not to jump to conclusions without proper, professional, appraisal. It is crucial to ensure that the problem is not caused by something entirely different, for example poor eyesight or hearing. For this reason, an appraisal and any guidance from a doctor, educational psychologist and/or paediatrician would be wise. Although various tests and commercial appraisal services exist, it’s important to understand that no watertight test for dyscalculia has yet been developed.

Is there a Cure for the Condition?

Children with dyscalculia can be very gifted in areas like creativity, strategic thinking, problem solving, practical abilities & intuition.Just as with dyslexia, there is no cure for dyscalculia. However, there are many ways to help children cope with its effects. It’s also worth bearing in mind that children with dyscalculia can be very gifted in other areas, for example creativity, strategic thinking, problem solving, practical abilities and often great intuition.

How Can Children with Dyscalculia be Helped?

There are several ways in which parents, carers, teachers and early years professionals can help children overcome the limitations of dyscalculia:

  • Using small objects (e.g. counters etc.) can help to demonstrate how numbers work and are applied;
  • Practise can build up mathematics confidence;
  • Giving a child with dyscalculia extra time for any task involving numbers and maths can also help;
  • Break larger numerical tasks down into a series of smaller steps;
  • Ensure affected children have ample access to visible reference such as number charts, multiplication tables, formulae when their older, etc.;
  • Calculators will also help when not testing mental or written arithmetic;
  • Children with dyscalculia may also benefit from the use of graph paper, which will allow them to more confidently line up numbers and calculation steps;
  • Specific teaching strategies may also be required, including possible multi-sensory approaches.They can also benefit when important words and numbers are highlighted (to draw attention to their importance);
  • Children with dyscalculia will also benefit from an early view of a new topic or concept. ‘Pre-teaching’, in other words;
  • One-to-one teaching will be helpful so that concepts are given deeper explanation and repeated demonstration where needed;
  • Specific teaching strategies may also be required, including possible multi-sensory solutions;
  • Physical and software tools may also be available;
  • Continuous assessment of the child’s numeracy and maths skills is also beneficial.
  • Last but not least, it’s also important for parents, teachers, carers and childcare professionals to talk to each other and to compare findings about the child’s abilities and any disabilities. In this way, help can be given sooner if needed.

Special Educational Needs at Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham

Little Cedars Nursery is in Streatham, near Tooting, Furzedown & BalhamChildcare professionals at Little Cedars Nursery will look out for possible signs of dyscalculia — and any other learning difficulties — as a matter of course. If we spot anything, we’ll liaise with parents, guardians or carers to discuss ways in which we can all help, together. There are many ways to help children with learning difficulties. That’s true whether they’re at the nursery, at home, or when they are ready to move on to school. Helping children with challenges and any special educational needs is all part of the service at Little Cedars Nursery, Streatham. Indeed, one of our main goals is to help each child become the very best version of themselves.

If you are looking for an outstanding childcare nursery in Streatham, or near Streatham Common, Streatham Hill, Streatham Park, Furzedown, Tooting, Balham, Norbury or Colliers Wood, please get in touch to register your child for a possible place, or to request further information: