Counting to 5

As adults, we don’t realize how often we use numbers daily. We count money, count how much time we have to complete a task, and of course, we count objects. This is the concept of numeracy. Numeracy is the ability to understand and work with numbers. It is an essential life skill that allows us to make sense of the world around us. From a young age, numeracy skills help children to develop an understanding of concepts such as quantity, order, and space.

The ability to identify patterns, and shapes, and comprehend size, length, and volume makes them well-prepared to enter the world of numbers. Numeracy skills enable pre-kindergarteners to draw inferences and arrive at conclusions. Use this simple and engaging video to introduce the concept of counting to 5 to your preschooler:

Counting to five may seem like basic task, but for a child, counting is an early learning skill that has to be taught, practiced, applied and mastered. As children begin to understand the concept of counting and what numbers represent, they apply these new skills to the world around them.

Children often begin by simply reciting numbers out loud. They may not fully understand what the numbers represent, but they are verbally expressing the words that describe numbers. At this stage, they may not know the symbols for each number but know the words. As you do things around the house, like putting away dishes or pushing in chairs, count out loud so that your child can hear the numbers and become familiar with the words that are used when counting. Use our entertaining worksheets to provide your child with the practice of counting to 5 in order with these colorful connect-the-dots worksheets.

Matching number words with the numerical symbol that they represent is another important step on this counting journey. Worksheets like these are a fun way to make this connection.

Here are a few helpful tips that will make learning to count a fun journey for both you and your child:

• Make it fun! Use songs, games, and other engaging activities to make learning to count fun for your child. This video is a great way to help your child learn how to count: Mama and her chicks and this classic song is another way to infuse fun into numeracy: Down By the Bay listen with your child and stop to count the watermelons, ducks and birds!
  
  
  
• Be patient. It may take some time for your child to master counting to 5. Be patient and continue to provide support and encouragement. It takes many repeated exposures to a new skill for a child to master it. Give it time.
  
  
• Encourage practice. At home, provide opportunities for your child to practice counting to 5. This will help reinforce what they are learning. Fun activities like this fun clothing and cupcake counting worksheets can help give your child practice counting familiar objects.
  
  
• Celebrate progress. When your child does finally master counting to 5, be sure to celebrate their achievement! This will help them feel proud and motivated to continue learning.

Counting is an essential early learning skill. Supporting your growing child in learning to count objects will help them to be able to move on to more complex mathematical concepts as they learn and grow. Continue your child’s learning experience with more activities in our catalogue.

By Nora Brown

Elementary School teacher