How to independently teach a preschool child to count within 10? To do this, it is not necessary to enroll him in expensive training courses. Absolutely any mother can do this, even with a non-pedagogical education. Here it is important to choose an individual approach for each child, so as not to create enormous difficulties for him and for yourself.
There are many different techniques described on the Internet that allow you to teach counting in one way or another. But they all differ in their effectiveness: one will allow you to learn quickly, but difficultly, the other will require you to devote a little more time to it than you would like. And it is important to choose the right time and method so that children not only learn quickly, but are also interested in this matter.
At what age is it better to teach a child to count according to the Federal State Educational Standard?
The first step in learning will be timing. It must be borne in mind that teaching children to count at 1 year old will not be the best idea. You need to choose the moment when the child’s age is already sufficient for such intellectual stress, so as not to simply complicate the situation.
The most optimal age for getting acquainted with the account will be 1.5-2 years. It is at this moment that the child’s mental development will allow him to become familiar with this concept quite easily and in a short time. You should also not forget about individuality: someone can start earlier, someone later. I would like to note that counting and numbers are two different things. It is better to start familiarizing yourself with the numbers between 2 and 3 years.
Important rules for teaching counting to preschoolers
How to teach a child to count?
The very first and most important rule is not to rush to start learning. The parent himself must understand what period of the child’s life will be most suitable for learning. It is not at all important to teach him all the methods of calculation, because when he comes to school, he may encounter completely different methods there. Children should not be forced to learn calculations in preschool if they do not want to. If he shows interest, then it’s time. No interest - learn at school.
The second rule , which is generally required for any undertaking, is gradualism. If parents saw the child’s potential and nevertheless decided to teach him on their own, then they should not demand an instant understanding of the entire meaning of counting. If a child manages to count the number of sticks in his hand, then matching them with the number on paper is quite difficult. This requires the use of abstract thinking, which develops later, closer to 4 years.
Third rule : conduct training in the form of a game. After all, the constant and main interest of children in preschool age is to constantly play. And we all know that what sparks interest is what is learned best. So you need to make a choice between several options: ask your child to count the apples on the dinner table, or count them on the counter while playing shop.
Fourth rule : learn every day. This does not mean that you need to set aside certain hours to sit your child on a chair and force him to count. This means that during any game or walk down the street, you can gently hint to your child that he can count the fingers on his hand. Such simple actions, it would seem, for a parent, but so difficult for a child. If you walk down the street in a sweater, count the buttons; if you play at home, count the number of chairs.
If you follow these simple rules, you can not only teach counting in a fairly quick time, but also arouse interest in it.
We work with accounts
A child should be taught to count to ten before he enters school.
Then you need to develop computational skills. This can be done on your fingers or matches. Many experts advise using abacus. Such devices do not interfere with adding or subtracting numbers in the mind. Today, every person has a calculator at home. This device makes life easier, but does not develop mathematical and logical thinking. Therefore, you should not teach your child to use gadgets.
So the child will never learn to perform simple mathematical operations in his mind. Abacus should be used from the age of three. With such a device, you can teach your child to count to 10, 20, 100, and complicate the tasks as they master the material. This product develops fine motor skills and manual dexterity well.
Training in working with accounts should be based on the following algorithm:
- set number . Align the knuckles to one edge. This location means zero. The bottom row is hundredths, the second row is tenths, the third is quarters. Next are units, tens, hundreds, thousands. To dial a number, move a certain number of dominoes to the other side;
- addition _ Dial the first term on the abacus, and then the second, moving the required number of dominoes to the side, starting from the bottom row;
- subtraction . All actions are carried out similarly to addition, but from top to bottom.
What mistakes do parents make when teaching their children to count?
A fairly common mistake parents make is haste. Many people want to quickly teach their children to count so that later they can go out and brag about it to others. This cannot be done. During hasty learning, you can easily skip any stage of thinking development and limit it from other information that is so necessary for children.
There is no need to chase results. If something doesn’t work out at all, postpone the training for six months and let the child be with a free head, without all this knowledge about calculations. If parents need their child to know numbers, the optimal age for this would be 4 years, but not 3, and certainly not 2.
The third mistake of parents: incorrect teaching. The fact is that moms and dads, as a rule, will not know certain teaching methods, even if they read about it on the Internet. All this leads to the fact that learning will jump through the step, and not rise gradually. There are such terrible situations when the baby has not yet really learned numbers, and several examples of addition are given to him at once.
Well, the last mistake: you don’t need to turn learning arithmetic at home into a school lesson. A child can learn mathematics at school even without parents; their task is to give basic knowledge of one or another operation when counting, but not to teach them how to solve examples without errors. When the child is comfortable learning, then you need to study with him, but when you are not in the mood for it, why insist?
Activities with number cards
Number cards are pictures where the number of objects corresponds to a certain number.
It is with these cards that it is best to start getting acquainted with the composition of numbers, because this method is visual and more accessible. Here is an example of such cards:
First, you should explain to your child what addition is: adding another to one number, we get a third number. This is best demonstrated on small objects (candies, buttons, pebbles, pencils, etc.) or cards: for example, on one there are 2 bananas, and on the other 3 oranges. If you add them together, how many fruits do you get? The child counts all the fruits and names the amount. At the same time, he gradually remembers how much it will be if you add up certain numbers.
Once you have an understanding of the process of adding different objects, you can take on the composition of a number. The adult names the number of items that should be obtained in the end, and together with the child they collect different combinations. It is better to start with small numbers and gradually increase.
For example, you need to collect 4 apples. We offer the child a card with only 1 apple drawn and ask which one else needs to be chosen so that there are 4 apples in the end. Then we take a card with a picture of 2 apples and ask the same question. Thus, all possible combinations are tried.
Gradually you can move on to larger numbers, where the number of combinations will increase. With repeated repetition, the composition of each number is stored in memory and then reproduced mechanically.
How to teach counting in your head without fingers
How to teach a child to count within 10
After the child has mastered the skills of counting on objects and already has a basic understanding of numbers, and this is approximately 6 years old, then he is ready to begin learning to count in his head. In general, this skill needs to be developed at school, in mathematics lessons, but many parents can also try themselves as a teacher.
Mental arithmetic is an abstract concept, which means it will be very difficult for children to understand. Therefore, training in such an action must be carried out gradually, relying on the same practical actions with objects. In order for a child to easily perceive mental calculation, it is necessary to familiarize him with numbers very well. It is necessary to explain that the number indicates a certain number of certain items.
While your child is counting three objects, you must show him the number 3 on a piece of paper. A good action to reinforce the material would be to ask to show three fingers on your hand. It is necessary to form a certain image so that when the little one sees the number 3, three apples are spinning in his head, which he was counting before.
A good way would be to play with blocks and a box. The box should fit exactly 20 cubes, divided into two rows. As the baby fills the box, he will visually see and remember how much to put and where. Over time, he will develop a skill that allows him to immediately determine how many cubes are missing in one of the rows.
It is necessary to ensure that the child recognizes the number by associating it with the number and quantity of objects, visually representing them. Learning can be considered complete when the child can immediately, without counting or touching objects, count them and name the exact number.
Video: Mathematical counting rhyme. Poems for adding and subtracting units. Our_everything!
When the child understands the entire process of addition, you can begin subtraction. to count backwards before learning subtraction , so it will be easier for him to master new information.
IMPORTANT: An excellent example would be if you put two apples on the table and then take one away. The child must say how many apples he has now. Children are great owners and will remember such examples well.
As with teaching counting, all mini-lessons should only be taught in a positive mood and with interesting examples . The manuals will help you cope with the task at hand. These can be either books or notebooks. But their choice should be taken with great responsibility.
The game is the best way to teach a child to count
Learning to add and subtract: techniques
Once your little family member has mastered the ability to count objects in his head and immediately, then it’s time to master skills such as addition and subtraction.
Counting with a ruler
One of the easiest ways to learn, but not the most effective for the future. Learning to count with a ruler is quite easy, but it will be a little more difficult to move on to more advanced methods of calculation.
In order to teach children to count with a ruler, it is necessary to explain the following:
- To add two numbers, for example, “3” and “6”, you need to find the number “3” on the ruler and count 6 units (centimeters) to the right. The number the baby will arrive at is “9”. So 3+6=9.
- With subtraction, everything is similar to addition, only you need to move not to the right, but to the left side of the ruler. So, if you need to subtract 3 from 6, then we move to the left by 3 units and get to the number 3.
Subject account
The simplest and most popular way. You need to take the number of objects within which you need to learn to count. Let's say it's 10 apples.
To add 4+2 you need to ask to put two apples aside from the pile. Then add 4 more. Now you need to count the number of apples in a separate group - there will be 6. With subtraction, everything is the same: ask the little one to remove 3 apples from the resulting pile and count the remainder - there will be 3.
Maria Montessori Method
This technique is mastered through the child’s independent learning. All that is needed from an adult is an environment for learning, that is, to provide the necessary objects, using which children themselves will learn mathematics. These items were selected and invented by Montessori herself in the process of developing her methodology.
This method allows you to awaken the mathematical spirit and arouse interest in counting.
Methodology of Sergei Polyakov
To teach this technique, parents will need boxes and cubes. Initially, their number will not exceed 5, but over time it will increase up to one hundred. You also need to print numbers from one to the number of cubes on the pieces of paper.
The idea is simple: take two cubes and sheets of paper with the numbers “1” and “2”. One cube is placed in front of the participant and next to it a piece of paper with a unit, explaining that this is one cube. Immediately after this, a second cube is added, and the number changes to two, and it is explained that there are now two cubes. After this, the child is asked to repeat after the parent.
After the child has completed this test, it is necessary to explain that the box is a small house, and the cubes are its inhabitants. It further shows that one person is at home, and then a second person comes to him. After this, ask the child to answer how many people are in the house now.
After several repetitions, a lid for the box is made - the roof of the house. Now everything is the same: one little man comes to another, but all this is covered with a roof. The child must name the number of people, but not look at them.
As the game progresses, the number of dice increases and increases.
Glen Doman Method
How to teach a child to count using the Doman method? This technique means that learning occurs very early. Or rather, you need to start as early as possible. It is believed that the younger the child, the easier it is for him to perceive information.
To start classes, parents will need to prepare 100 cards measuring 27x27 centimeters. On each of them it is necessary to depict dots with a diameter of no more than 2 cm from 1 to 100. It is necessary to explain to the student how many dots are on which card. It is necessary to voice the number of points on the first five cards in a loud and clear voice, spending no more than 15 seconds on each of them. You need to study this five 3 times a day.
The next day, add five more cards to the existing set with the number of dots in order. You will get 10 sheets, each with dots from 1 to 10. And so add five every day.
After the child has begun to master the concept of “quantity,” you can begin to study addition and subtraction. For greater simplicity, you can prepare three more leaves with a plus, a minus and an equal sign. Now you need to lay out the necessary cards in the right order, for example: five (leaflet with 5 dots) plus (leaflet with a plus) two (two dots) equals (equal sign) seven (seven dots). It's the same with subtraction.
Mental arithmetic
How to teach a child to count using the “Mental Arithmetic” method? The basis of teaching counting using this method is training with the Abacus. This is a kind of abacus, the knuckles of which are located in a certain way. The technique is quite complex, but it allows children to learn how to count huge numbers in their heads.
One of the basic rules: you need to count from left to right. That is, not in the way many are used to. You need to remember that the upper bones of the Abacus are equal to the value “5”, and the lower ones are equal to “1”. All columns are divided into units, tens, hundreds, thousands and millions.
For example, just take the example 1+2. It is necessary to pick up 1 domino on the outermost column, indicating one, and then two more and count how many you get.
For more complex examples, for example, 11+23, you need to divide the number into tens and ones. After this, put 1 domino in the right column, and then 3 more. You get 4 units. Next, in the column indicating tens, you need to take 1 die, and then add 2 to it. After that, add the tens and ones (simply combine the resulting numbers next to each other if the number is no more than 9) and you get 34.
With subtraction, everything is similar, only the dice will not have to be raised up, but lowered from all of them.
You can see a detailed description of developmental methods for preschool children in our article HERE.
Singapore method
This method lies in its special form: during the lesson, students collect concepts and formulas, which, like a construction set, are assembled into one lesson. They are called structures.
How to teach a child to count using the Singaporean method? You can’t talk about this in one article. There are about 250 such methods in total, all of them allow children to show independence in learning to count.
Memorizing tables
This method is entirely based on memorizing addition and subtraction tables. All of them are similar to everyone’s favorite table of squares, which served as a cheat sheet for almost everyone. Only here no one will have this table at hand, they will have to learn it.
It is believed that if a student learns such a table at least up to 20, then later he will understand the whole essence and will be able to add even large numbers. In general, the method is “forward”.
Remember the numbers
There are many methods for memorizing numbers. Today, children's stores sell special cards. Learning to count is easy in everyday life, using the opportunities of the surrounding world.
You need to count objects while buying groceries in a store or while walking on the street. For more successful memorization, you can prepare special cards with numbers and always carry them with you.
While in line at the clinic or at the market, you need to count people with your child and relate the resulting number to the one shown on the card. It will also be interesting for the baby to compare who has more buttons on his clothes: his or his mother.
You can learn to distinguish numbers with five-minute lessons. They must be planned and occur regularly. The child needs to quickly show cards that show numbers and the corresponding number of circles. At the same time, the number should be named. This activity is effective when the baby is attentive and focused.
Gradually he will begin to understand the numbers and relate them to quantity. After this, the lesson can be complicated - lay out the cards in front of the child in any order and ask him to give those that correspond to the number he heard. It is useful to draw colorful numbers on sheets of paper and hang them in prominent places throughout the apartment.
This way, memorization will be easier and more interesting. You can periodically ask your child to bring cards with a certain number. It will be easier for the child if he begins to receive the task of finding a number that corresponds to the number of beans or apples shown in the picture.
It is useful to purchase refrigerator magnets. It is easy to conduct educational activities with them, showing a lot of imagination.
You can assemble a steam locomotive from a construction set by putting into it numbers indicating the serial numbers of the cars. Special educational books and cartoons on counting are also useful. Modeling numbers from plasticine, dough, or kinetic sand will give impetus to the development and learning of arithmetic.
Games and exercises that teach counting to preschoolers
How to teach a child to count while playing? There are many different educational games for preschool children. They all have their own meaning and genre, but the essence is the same - to teach children to count. Here are some of them:
- Put the same amount - I think the name speaks for itself;
- Show as much;
- Find yourself a place - you will need a lot of space and children to play. The hoops are placed on the floor, and inside them are pieces of paper with numbers. Players move around the room, and at a signal they stand around the hoop in the same number as the number in the hoop;
- Puzzles with numbers written on them. They need to be laid out in the correct order.
In any case, the most banal and easiest exercise would be to use counting with your baby in everyday life. If you see flowers in a flowerbed, count them. You can count absolutely everything, even your fingers.
How to develop a child's interest in counting
No child will like it if their parents force them to count in the evenings. But all children like games. Try to make a game out of the activity that will be interesting to both you and the baby.
How to teach a child to count? Also, an effective way would be to reward each correct action. Naturally, you can’t spoil anyone, but reward them for good work - why not? Do not forget to create a favorable atmosphere for learning, because if the child enjoys doing this, he may not even notice that a training program has been made for him.
