School Sparks - Kindergarten Readiness

The importance of learning numbers

Numbers are all around us and children will need to learn the name for each numeral symbol and the amount that each symbol represents. Many children are familiar with the words that represent numbers - they know their age or are beginning to count, for example. But they may not recognize numbers in printed form. Learning the names and amounts that each numeral symbol represents is one of the foundation skills in mathematics.

The role of number worksheets

Number worksheets are an excellent way to introduce children to numbers and basic counting. Since worksheets are printed, they allow children to clearly see what each printed number looks like. Also, unlike items such as people, buttons or pencils that can move around while being counted, pictures on a worksheet page remain fixed in one place which allows them to be easily counted. Lastly, while older children may be able to count simply by touching each item one time while counting, a number worksheet allows a younger children to use a pencil or marker to cross off each item as they count, ensuring they do not count any pictures twice.

Extra tips for using these number worksheets

As your child completes the number worksheets that ask him to circle the groups of items that contain the same number of items as circled number, begin by pointing out the circled number and telling your child the name of the number. Then ask him to use the pointer finger of his dominant hand to trace over the numeral as he says its name. When he seems familiar with the number, ask him to count the number of items in each group on the page and, when he counts a group that is the amount of the circled number, he should circle that amount. As your child counts, remind him to use one-to-one correspondence and touch each picture once as he counts it.

As your child completes the number worksheets that ask him to count a group of items and then circle the correct number, ask him to point to the numbers on the right and say each number’s name before he begins counting. If he is not sure of the name of each number, say them for him as he points to it. Next, ask your child to count the items in the box and find the number that corresponds. To reinforce the proper formation of each number, you can ask your child to use a pencil to trace all three numbers on the right side of the page when he has completed the worksheet.

Activities to try at home to supplement the number worksheets

• Sitting at the computer with your child, type a certain number of letters and ask him to count the letters and then type the corresponding number. Or, encourage your child to type his favorite numbers, saying aloud the number as he types.
• When counting objects, always count from left to right. This gives the eyes important practice moving from left to right, which is how the eyes must move when reading words.
• Count to 20 (or by 2s to 40) while your child washes his hands or brushes his teeth. It will ensure he washes for an appropriate length of time while also reinforcing counting skills. Also, every meal presents opportunities to practice counting. How many peas are on your child’s plate? How many more bites of chicken does he have? Or, reinforce number amounts at snack or meal time. For example, make 4 the “number of the day” and put 4 raisins, 4 chocolate chips, 4 mini-marshmallows and 4 grapes on a plate at snack time.
• A deck of playing cards is great for practicing counting since each card has both the numeral and that number of items on it. 3 diamonds + 4 diamonds = 7 diamonds.
• Have your child count how many steps it takes to get from one room to another or from the front door to your car. Then count how many hops or skips it takes to go the same distance.
• Point out speed limit signs as your drive with your child. Explain how a 20 MPH limit means you need to go slower than a 65 MPH limit, for example, since 20 is less that 65.