Teaching numbers in Kindergarten can be a lot of fun! In this blog post, we will provide you with a guide on how to teach numbers from 1-10. We will also include some fun activities and number games that will help engage your students in the learning process. Let’s get started!
Are you teaching Numbers to 10? Use this FREE worksheet to teach an individual number, quantity and word. Click to download your FREE sample of our Number Foldable Activity now – simply print, copy and use today!
Teaching Numbers is More than Counting to 10
Many people think that teaching numbers is simply about counting to 10. However, there is so much more to it than that! How many times have you had a parent come to you and say their child is great at maths, just because they know how to count to 10, 20, even 100. When introducing numbers to your students, it is important to also focus on number recognition, one-to-one correspondence and quantity. This can be done through a variety of fun activities and games (which we will discuss later on in this blog post).
What is One-to-One Correspondence?
One-to-one correspondence is an important concept for students to understand when learning about numbers. It simply means that each number corresponds to a specific object. For example, if you are counting out 10 apples, each number (1, 2, 3, etc.) would correspond to one apple. This is a key concept for students to understand as it lays the foundation for many other maths concepts, such as addition and subtraction. So ensure all your students know and understand one-to-one correspondence before you go any further.
Read more in 21 Easy Ideas for Teaching One to One Correspondence.
Number Recognition
Number recognition is the ability to identify numbers, whether they are written down or spoken aloud. A great way to help your students develop this skill is to incorporate numbers into as many activities as possible. You can do this by using number flashcards, writing numbers on the board or even singing number songs! Display Number Posters in your classroom!
Reinforce Numbers to 10, Over and Over
Repetition is key when introducing numbers to your students. Students should receive multiple exposures to the same concept, but in different ways. Class discussions, games, worksheets, centre activities, tablet activities and picture story books, just to name a few. Just like with anything else in life, the more you practise something, the better you become at it. So make sure you are constantly reinforcing the numbers 1-10 with your students.
Why Students Need a Solid Understanding of Numbers to 10
A strong understanding of numbers to 10 is essential for kindergarten and junior primary students, as it lays the foundation for so many other maths concepts. If your students do not have a good grasp on numbers 1-10, they will struggle with addition, subtraction, place value and other important maths concepts down the line. So it is important to go over and over numbers to 10, breaking each number into quantity, number/word recognition and ensuring students understand one to one correspondence.
Key Points to Remember when Teaching Numbers
When teaching numbers in Kindergarten, there are a few key points that you should always keep in mind:
– Make sure that your students are engaged and having fun! Learning should be enjoyable for both you and your students.
– Start with small numbers and gradually introduce larger numbers.
– Repeat, repeat, repeat! Repetition is key when it comes to learning numbers.
– Encourage your students to use their imagination and be creative. Apply their undestanding to the real-world. This will help them to better understand the concepts that you are teaching.
Now that we have gone over some of the basics, let’s take a look at some fun activities that you can use to teach numbers in your kindergarten classroom.
Fun Activities for Teaching Numbers in Kindergarten
Here are some fun and engaging activities that you can use to teach numbers 1-10 in your kindergarten classroom:
1. Number Bingo: This is a great game for reinforcing number recognition and one-to-one correspondence. Click here to download Number Bingo to 10 Game cards.
You might also like Your Easy Guide to Using Number Bingo to teach Number Skills.
2. Number Matching: This is another activity for reinforcing number recognition and one-to-one correspondence. Students match the number to the word to the quantity. In this FREE resource there are game cards and a worksheet, everything you need!
3. Number Recognition and Ordering: Use these number cards to scatter around the room. Students find the numbers, read and order to 20. Other activities are also included.
4. Number Tracing: These number mats reinforce number recognition and one-to-one correspondence. To use, students need a eraseable marker, blocks, button, sticks etc. Students make small collections of objects as well as practise writing numbers and words.
5. Brainstorm Numbers: Choose a number between 0 and 10 and do a class brainstorm of all the things you can come up with to do with that number. eg. a child may have 3 brothers, 3 buttons on their shirt, a number 3 on their mailbox etc. You can create a Bulletin Board about brainstorming numbers using this kit.
6. Subitizing: Flip through these FREE subitizing cards as a maths warm up. Students shout out how many dots they can see!
7. Buzz: Students stand in a circle. Nominate a buzz number. Start counting from a student saying zero, each student says one number in order. When you get to the buzz number, that student says “buzz” and sits down. Then go back to zero and start again. Keep playing until there is only one student left.
8. Roll Dice and Collect: Have a collection of objects in front of students. Students roll a dice and collect that number of objects from the pile. Repeat.
Read more at 5 Number Warm-Ups.
These are just a few ideas to get you started – be creative and have fun with it! There are endless possibilities when it comes to teaching numbers in the kindergarten classroom.
Don’t forget to download your FREE number worksheet!
Leave a Reply