18 Fun Ways to Teach Children The Numbers 1 to 10

My youngest son started working on counting from 1 to 10 just before we pulled him out of daycare in September of last year. When we decided to take him out of daycare, I wanted to do my best to continue teaching him the concepts that he was learning at daycare and work to try to prevent him from losing his knowledge. A few weeks ago, I was working with him on his numbers and wanted to actually show him how many objects were associated with each number. I have personally found that children actually enjoy learning when they are having fun or playing games. Did you know that you can teach your child how to count without spending a ton of money?  Look around your house and find some things that you can use to teach your child their numbers.  For example you can use cereal, gummy bears, articles of clothing, blocks, construction paper, and a wide variety of other object around your house.  Once you have gathered up the tools that you want to use, sit your child on the floor, in their high chair, or sit with them at the table. Just keep in mind that toddlers have a short attention span and you might have to use several games or ways to keep your child interested in learning.

Why Is It Important to Teach Your Child Their Numbers Before They Go to Kindergarten?

Teaching your child about numbers is very important and it is an early preschool concept that most kids need to have mastered before they go to kindergarten. Not only will your child need to be able to count from 1 to 10, they will also need to know how to identify each of the numbers. In fact, your child  has to learn their numbers before they can perform simple math problems.

18 Fun Ways to Teach Children Their Numbers (1 to 10)

1. Gather up some items that I listed above (I used gummy bears for this activity) and group the items using numbers 1 to 10 (for younger toddlers you can use 1 to 5). As you group them items together count out loud with your child for each number. This will allow your child to physically see the amount of objects for each number and you enforce with repetition when you count the numbers in each group.
2. Purchase a number chart and use it frequently to help your child learn his or her numbers. For example, you can implement this activity as a part of your child’s bed time routine or at another time that is convenient for your during the day.
3. Find online printable worksheet that has the numbers 1 to 10 and cut them out. Place each number in a muffin tin, paper muffin liners, bowls, or paper plates. Have your child place the correct number of objects in the appropriate spot.
4. Use flash cards to help your child learn to recognize their numbers. If you buy flash cards that have more than the first 10 numbers, start of using only the cards for the numbers 1 to 10. You don’t want to overwhelm your child and you can continue using the flash cards once your child is ready to move on to advanced numbers.
5. Teach your child count from 1 to 10 using their fingers or toes.
6. Find online printable worksheets for your child to color using the numbers 1 to 10.
7. When you are out running errands, have your child spot numbers that they recognize on signs, price tags, and elevators, ect.
8. Cut construction paper into one-inch strips. Have your child create a number link by gluing strips on construction paper together.
9. Find online printable numbers and cut each number out. Once you have cut the numbers out, punch a hole in the one of the bottom corners. Then have your child link paper clips that match the number. This activity will also help your child develop their fine motor skills. Be careful paperclips are a chocking hazard and your child should be closely supervised when doing this activity.
10. Use an app on your phone or tablet to help your child learn their numbers.
11. Find preschool software to that teaches your child a wide variety of preschool concepts including numbers.
12. Set up a game of bowling using empty 2-L or 20 oz water bottles. You can have your child count the pins as you are setting up the game. Grab a small ball and have your child roll the ball to knock over the pins. Then have your child count the number of pins that are left standing up or how many they knocked over.
13. Find books to help you teach your child numbers. Don’t forget to use your local public library as a great resource for finding learning materials.
14. Find fun games to help your child recognize their numbers.
15. Let your child roll dice or play games using dice. These games allow them to recognize and count the number of moves that they are allowed to move in the game. Trouble, Count Your Chickens, and Five Little Monkey’s Jumping on the Bed are great options.
16. Use music to help teach your child their numbers. Some great songs include 5 Little Monkey’s Jumping on the Bed, 12 Days of Christmas, Counting to 10, and many others.
17. Invest in magnets to put on the refrigerator that contains the numbers 1 to 10.
18. Find foam or wooden puzzles that have the numbers 1 to 10.

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What is your favorite way to teach your child about their numbers?