Learning to count is an important milestone in the life of a child. As a parent, it is essential that you take the time with your child to assist them in learning their numbers and developing their counting skills. Many parents find that their child is not receptive to their techniques and may not be comprehending the lessons as planned. It could be that the child needs to see the activities more as something fun. Throughout this guide, I will be detailing some fun activities for teaching kids to count. It is important that you know and understand that children work best when they are having fun and playing. It is important to use this to your advantage when educating them.

Number Scavenger Hunt

One of the first games that you can play is a number scavenger hunt. This is a really simple game that will work to help your child learn to count certain items, and maybe even learn a few other things in the process – such as grouping, classifying, and colors. Simply outline a list that details how much of something that the child should find. For example:

• Find two fruits that are round and orange.

• Look for one shoe that is red.

• Find four favorite toys.

• Find ten blocks.

As you can see, the child is taught to follow directions, locate certain items based on your description, and has to count them out and return the items to you. Many parents may elect to purchase small little award ribbons in order to reward a child that does a good job. This is a fun, practical, and motivating method of teaching numbers.

Necklace Making

Necklace making is a very fun activity for children. Boys and girls can both enjoy this activity. Girls can make the necklaces for themselves, where boys can create one for a female friend, neighbor, or relative. Simply gather up some different colored beads and instruct your child to follow a particular pattern when it comes to the bead shapes and/or colors. For example, have them follow the pattern below:

• Take some basic necklace string and gather up ten beads of each color.

• Place three red beads on the string.

• Take four white beads and put them on the strong.

• Now, do three blue beads.

• Repeat the original pattern.

Baking

Baking and preparing various meals in the kitchen can be a very fun and exciting method of teaching a child to count. Recipes that call for certain amounts of a particular ingredient can be a great way to introduce children to reading, counting, measuring, and more! Any recipe will do, but it is best to pick recipes that are appropriate to the age group that the child is in.

Teaching a child to read is a fun and exciting experience that can be enjoyed by all involved. All it takes is a little creativity, and you too, can teach your kids to read. Remember, the element of play can go a long way when it comes to educating children – especially small ones!

Learn to Count With Elmo and Friends
A Personalized Book with your child as the star in the story
TM & © 2008 Sesame Workshop