Teaching numeracy THROUGH PLAY

When numbers are taught through games, stories, and everyday moments, learning becomes enjoyable for youngest children

- PRIYANKA SETHI

The early years are crucial for building children's foundational numeracy skills.

And children learn best through play. When numbers are taught through games, stories, and everyday moments, learning becomes enjoyable. Research has shown that children develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts when they are embedded in everyday contexts.

Here are some ways parents can use play to teach children foundational numeracy skills.

Count with toys

Toys are a child's best friends and also their first teachers. Arranging toy cars in a line, stacking blocks, or sorting dolls by colour naturally builds one-to-one correspondence and counting skills.

For instance, a child lining up cars can count: "One car, two cars, three cars." Create playful challenges such as "Who can count blocks the fastest?"

Numbers in motion

Children love to move. Let numbers move with them. A hopscotch grid with chalked numbers invites children to jump, skip, and count aloud. Beyond simple sequencing, playful variations such as hopping only when even numbers are called out teach children advanced concepts such as categorization and number patterns.

This blend of kinaesthetic action and cognitive recall reinforces learning.