Play a counting game that's free and fun. You have everything you need around the house to make a hands-on learning game that teaches your kids how to count. And with new objects to count, the game is different every time you play.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 5-10 minutes to play each round
Here's How:
- Gather various items for kids to count from 1 to 10, such as 5 blocks, 6 balls and 7 crayons.
A sample list of 1-10 could be:- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 2 hats
- 3 forks
- 4 remote controls
- 5 blocks
- 6 balls
- 7 pieces of railroad track
- 8 books
- 9 crayons
- 10 cars
- Place the items in a circle. The first time you play, place the objects in order from 1 to 10 to make it easier. After kids get the gist of the game, put the objects out of order. For example, 6 forks can be put next to 2 hats.
- Print on your computer or write the numbers 1 to 10 on strips of paper. Each number should be on its own slip of paper.
- Give the stack of numbers to your child. Have him count each set of objects, and place the correct number next to it.
- Mix up the game to have him go in order from 1 to 10, forcing him to count the objects every time to find the number that comes next. Play again. Let him count the objects, and find the right number without having to go in order from 1 to 10.
Tips:
- Vary the object numbers from game to game. Take away 2 forks, and add 4 cars. This way, he has to count the objects in each game instead of remembering there are 6 forks every time.
- If he's struggling with 1 to 10, reduce the number of objects to 1-5 until he becomes more confident. You want the game to be fun, not frustrating.
- Once he becomes a master at 1-10, increase the object numbers to 1-20.
- Encourage him to physically touch the objects as he's counting to give him hands-on counting experience. This makes the game more exciting to him than counting objects on a workbook page.
- Switch out your objects to vary up the game.
