Everyday Ways to Teach Counting
You don't need a formal lesson to teach children how to count. There are thousands of things to count every day, and if you count enough things, your child will soon learn to count. Here are ten suggestions to help you get the hang of everyday counting.
1. Count as you go up and down stairs. If your child is starting to find counting too easy, try counting backwards instead.
2. Ask your child to set the table. Keep inexpensive plastic dishes for this purpose. Have her count aloud as she puts out each part of the table setting.
3. Count toys as you put them away. Teach counting backwards by counting how many toys are out before you start. Then count down to zero as the room gets cleaned.
4. Count your steps to the mailbox each day.
5. Count when your preschooler helps you cook. "Can you put five nuts into the batter for me?"
6. Hang a calendar. Every day, count up to the current day. Over time your child will learn to count to 31, and will probably be able to read the numbers as well.
7. While sitting in the yard or at a park, count the number of cars that go by.
8. Count the buttons on your child's clothes while dressing.
9. Count how many times your child can hop/jump/skip at one time.
10. Count the number of green beans or other food items your child receives at a meal.
Related Item: Counting Worksheet featuring the princess.
