Teaching Toddlers Numbers

Kids are naturally curious and will pick up all kinds of information in their normal, everyday lives. That doesn't mean, though, that we shouldn't give them a boost along the way. For example, when it comes to helping children learn about numbers, there are lots of ways we can help build a foundation for the math concepts they'll soon learn at school. The key is to keep it fun.

Have your child imitate what you do. Mommy's going to hit the drum once, then you hit it once. Good! Now I'll hit it two times, and you hit it two times. Continue to ten, assuming it remains fun for your child. If she's still enjoying the game when you get to ten, work your way back down to one.

There are plenty of great songs that teach kids about numbers. Work these into your repertoire. Every time your child sings "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed," or "Five Little Ducks Went Out One Day," he'll gain a deeper understanding of how numbers work. (I don't recommend "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall—not so much because it might encourage underage drinking, but because of how annoying the seemingly never-ending song can be.)

Have your child fingerpaint numbers in pudding, or have him use a stick in the sand to trace out numbers. Anything that allows him to practice writing numbers in novel ways will ingrain the practice in his mind.

One boy I know is obsessed with Noah's Ark. His playsets offer all kinds of opportunities for counting different animals—and then learning to count two-by-two. The same goes for dolls, cars, bubbles baseball games and practically anything else.

Whenever you think of it, let your chid hear you count—and have her count along with you. Count when you're pushing her on the swing, when she's brushing her teeth, and when she's taking steps between the car and the school building.

While you're teaching about numbers, teach about the senses as well. Have your child close his eyes then listen to you clap or snap. Quiz him on how many he hears. Or, tap his leg and have him count the taps.

Teach numbers with activity. Have your hold ump four times, or run back and forth to the fence twice. Or, play a game where you put out a set of numbers written on pieces of paper, and your child has to run to find the number you name and bring it back to you.

Use mealtimes to teach concepts like more, less and equal. Count the number of blueberries or peas on the plate, or chairs at the table. Again, try to make this fun—your child shouldn't feel like she has to sing for her supper.