Learning Numbers for Toddlers: Tips, Tricks, and Activities
Learn Numbers for Toddlers: A Fun and Easy Guide
Learning numbers is one of the essential skills that toddlers need to develop in their early years. Numbers help them understand the world around them, communicate their needs and wants, and prepare them for more advanced math concepts later on.
learn numbers for toddlers
But how can you teach numbers to toddlers in a way that is fun, engaging, and effective? In this article, we will share with you 9 simple ways to teach numbers to toddlers using toys, songs, books, games, flashcards, crafts, videos, and cookies. We will also give you some tips on how to reinforce number learning for toddlers and answer some common questions that parents have about teaching numbers.
Why is Learning Numbers Important for Toddlers?
Learning numbers is important for toddlers because it helps them develop their cognitive, language, and social skills. Here are some of the benefits of learning numbers for toddlers:
It helps them recognize patterns, shapes, colors, and sizes.
It helps them compare quantities, such as more or less, bigger or smaller.
It helps them understand concepts such as time, order, sequence, and direction.
It helps them express their thoughts, feelings, and preferences.
It helps them follow instructions, solve problems, and make decisions.
It helps them interact with others, such as counting together, sharing toys, or playing games.
Learning numbers also lays the foundation for more advanced math skills that toddlers will need in preschool and beyond, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, geometry, algebra, and calculus.
How to Teach Numbers to Toddlers in 9 Simple Ways
The best way to teach numbers to toddlers is to make it fun and natural. Toddlers learn best when they are interested, curious, and motivated. They also learn best when they can see, touch, hear, and experience things for themselves.
Here are 9 simple ways to teach numbers to toddlers using different methods and materials:
1. Play with Number Toys
One of the easiest and best ways to teach numbers to toddlers is to play with number toys. Number toys are toys that have numbers on them or are shaped like numbers. They help toddlers see, touch, and recognize what each number looks like.
Some examples of number toys are:
Montessori Wood Block Puzzle Set: This toy has numbers and rings to count for each number so that toddlers can learn the concept of one-to-one correspondence.
Melissa and Doug Number Puzzle: This is a simple puzzle that has numbers from 0 to 20 and objects to count under each number.
2. Count Every Day
Another simple and effective way to teach numbers to toddlers is to count every day. Counting is a basic skill that helps toddlers learn the names, order, and value of numbers. It also helps them develop their memory, attention, and logic skills.
* How to teach kids numbers: 10 ideas for parents
* Numeracy and maths skills: babies and toddlers
* Numbers counting to 10 collection: kids learn to count, baby toddler songs, nursery rhymes
* Montessori wood block puzzle set: learn numbers for toddlers
* Melissa and Doug number puzzle: counting and number recognition for toddlers
* Bath letters and numbers: fun way to learn numbers in the tub
* Lego Duplo my first number train: building and learning numbers for toddlers
* Sesame Street Playskool Cookie Monster's on the go numbers: portable number puzzle for toddlers
* LeapFrog learn and groove musical mat: interactive number learning and movement for toddlers
* Counting every day: simple tips to teach numbers to toddlers
* Counting fingers and toes: easy and fun way to learn numbers for toddlers
* Number flashcards: printable and online resources to teach numbers to toddlers
* Number games for toddlers: online and offline activities to make learning numbers fun
* Number crafts for toddlers: creative and hands-on projects to learn numbers
* Number books for toddlers: best books to read aloud and introduce numbers to toddlers
* Number songs for toddlers: catchy and educational songs to sing along and learn numbers
* Number worksheets for toddlers: free and printable worksheets to practice number recognition and writing
* Number coloring pages for toddlers: fun and relaxing way to learn numbers and colors
* Number stickers for toddlers: reward and motivate your toddler with number stickers
* Number magnets for toddlers: use your fridge or a magnetic board to teach numbers to your toddler
* Number tracing for toddlers: help your toddler develop fine motor skills and number writing with tracing activities
* Number matching for toddlers: improve your toddler's memory and number recognition with matching games
* Number sorting for toddlers: teach your toddler about categories and number order with sorting activities
* Number bingo for toddlers: play a fun and engaging game of bingo with number cards
* Number dot to dot for toddlers: connect the dots and reveal a picture while learning numbers
* Number puzzles for toddlers: challenge your toddler's problem-solving skills with number puzzles
* Number scavenger hunt for toddlers: make learning numbers an adventure with a scavenger hunt around the house or outside
* Number hopscotch for toddlers: combine physical activity and number learning with a classic game of hopscotch
* Number stickers for toddlers: reward and motivate your toddler with number stickers
* Number magnets for toddlers: use your fridge or a magnetic board to teach numbers to your toddler
You can count anything and everything with your toddler, such as:
Fingers and toes
Food and drinks
Toys and books
Stairs and steps
Animals and plants
People and cars
You can also count in different ways, such as:
Forward and backward
By ones, twos, fives, or tens
By skipping or jumping
By clapping or tapping
By singing or rhyming
By using different languages or accents
The key is to make counting fun and natural for your toddler. You can count along with them, praise them for their efforts, and challenge them to count more or faster.
3. Sing Number Songs
Singing number songs is another fun and easy way to teach numbers to toddlers. Number songs are songs that have numbers in them or are about numbers. They help toddlers hear, repeat, and remember the names and sounds of numbers.
Some examples of number songs are:
Five Little Monkeys: This is a classic song that teaches toddlers how to count down from five to one using their fingers.
Ten in the Bed: This is another classic song that teaches toddlers how to count down from ten to one using their toes.
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe: This is a catchy song that teaches toddlers how to count up from one to ten using rhyming words.
The Ants Go Marching: This is a fun song that teaches toddlers how to count up from one to ten using different actions.
You can sing number songs with your toddler anytime and anywhere, such as in the car, in the bath, or in the bed. You can also use props, such as puppets, dolls, or stuffed animals, to make the songs more interactive and engaging.
4. Read Number Books
Reading number books is another great way to teach numbers to toddlers. Number books are books that have numbers in them or are about numbers. They help toddlers see, read, and understand what each number means and how it relates to other numbers.
Some examples of number books are:
Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3: This is a colorful book that teaches toddlers how to count up from one to one hundred using letters and animals.
Ten Apples Up On Top: This is a funny book that teaches toddlers how to count up from one to ten using apples and animals.
How Many Bugs in a Box?: This is a pop-up book that teaches toddlers how to count up from one to ten using bugs and boxes.
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish: This is a classic book that teaches toddlers how to count up from one to ten using fish and rhymes.
You can read number books with your toddler at any time of the day, such as in the morning, in the afternoon, or at night. You can also ask them questions, point out details, and encourage them to count along with you.
5. Play Number Games
Playing number games is another fun and easy way to teach numbers to toddlers. Number games are games that involve numbers or are about numbers. They help toddlers practice their counting, matching, sorting, and comparing skills.
Some examples of number games are:
Number Bingo: This is a game that teaches toddlers how to recognize and match numbers from 0 to 20 using bingo cards and chips.
Number Memory: This is a game that teaches toddlers how to remember and match numbers from 0 to 20 using memory cards.
Number Sorting: This is a game that teaches toddlers how to sort and group numbers from 0 to 20 using sorting trays and counters.
Number Puzzle: This is a game that teaches toddlers how to complete and connect numbers from 0 to 20 using puzzle pieces.
You can play number games with your toddler at any time of the day, such as before or after meals, during playtime, or before bedtime. You can also make your own number games using household items, such as cups, spoons, buttons, or stickers.
6. Use Number Flashcards
Using number flashcards is another great way to teach numbers to toddlers. Number flashcards are cards that have numbers on them or are about numbers. They help toddlers see, say, and learn what each number is and how it is written.
Some examples of number flashcards are:
Star Right Numbers Flashcards: These are flashcards that have numbers from 0 to 25 and pictures to count for each number.
Think Tank Scholar Numbers Flashcards: These are flashcards that have numbers from 0 to 100 and words to read for each number.
School Zone Numbers Flashcards: These are flashcards that have numbers from 1 to 100 and equations to solve for each number.
Carson Dellosa Numbers Flashcards: These are flashcards that have numbers from 0 to 100 and dots to count for each number.
You can use number flashcards with your toddler at any time of the day, such as during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can also do different activities with them, such as:
Show and tell: Show your toddler a flashcard and ask them to say the number and count the objects on it.
Hide and seek: Hide some flashcards around the room and ask your toddler to find them and say the numbers on them.
Match and pair: Give your toddler two sets of flashcards and ask them to match the ones that have the same number or the same amount of objects.
Order and sequence: Give your toddler some flashcards and ask them to arrange them in ascending or descending order.
7. Make Number Crafts
Making number crafts is another fun and easy way to teach numbers to toddlers. Number crafts are crafts that have numbers on them or are about numbers. They help toddlers create, decorate, and display their own number artworks.
Some examples of number crafts are:
Number Collage: This is a craft that involves cutting out numbers from magazines or newspapers and gluing them on a paper.
Number Painting: This is a craft that involves painting numbers on a paper using different colors and tools.
Number Stamping: This is a craft that involves stamping numbers on a paper using different shapes and materials.
Number Necklace: This is a craft that involves stringing numbers on a yarn or a ribbon using beads or buttons.
You can make number crafts with your toddler at any time of the day, such as in the morning, in the afternoon, or in the evening. You can also use different materials, such as paper, cardboard, foam, fabric, clay, or wood.
8. Watch Number Videos
Watching number videos is another great way to teach numbers to toddlers. Number videos are videos that have numbers in them or are about numbers. They help toddlers watch, listen, and learn how numbers are used and pronounced.
Some examples of number videos are:
Sesame Street: The Count's Number of the Day: This is a video series that features The Count, a vampire who loves to count, and his number of the day.
Super Simple Songs: Five Little Ducks: This is a video that teaches toddlers how to count down from five to zero using ducks and a catchy song.
Blippi: Learn Numbers 1 to 10: This is a video that teaches toddlers how to count up from one to ten using colorful balls and a fun character.
Baby Einstein: Numbers Nursery: This is a video that teaches toddlers how to count up from one to five using puppets, toys, and music.
You can watch number videos with your toddler at any time of the day, such as in the morning, in the afternoon, or at night. You can also pause, rewind, or repeat the videos as needed.
9. Bake Number Cookies
Baking number cookies is another fun and easy way to teach numbers to toddlers. Number cookies are cookies that have numbers on them or are shaped like numbers. They help toddlers taste, smell, and enjoy their own number creations.
To bake number cookies, you will need:
Cookie dough (you can make your own or buy ready-made)
Number cookie cutters (you can buy them online or in stores)
Baking sheet and parchment paper
Oven and timer
Cooling rack and spatula
Frosting and sprinkles (optional)
To bake number cookies, you can follow these steps:
Preheat the oven to 350F and line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the cookie dough on a floured surface and cut out numbers using the cookie cutters.
Place the number cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Transfer the number cookies to the cooling rack and let them cool completely.
Decorate the number cookies with frosting and sprinkles if you like.
You can bake number cookies with your toddler at any time of the day, such as on weekends, holidays, or special occasions. You can also use different flavors, colors, and shapes for the cookie dough, frosting, and sprinkles.
How to Reinforce Number Learning for Toddlers
Besides teaching numbers to toddlers using the 9 ways mentioned above, you can also reinforce number learning for toddlers by doing the following things:
Review and repeat: Review and repeat the numbers and activities that you have taught your toddler regularly. This will help them remember and master the numbers better.
Quiz and test: Quiz and test your toddler on their number knowledge and skills. This will help them check their progress and identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Praise and reward: Praise and reward your toddler for their efforts and achievements in learning numbers. This will help them boost their confidence and motivation.
Challenge and extend: Challenge and extend your toddler's number learning by introducing new numbers, concepts, or activities. This will help them expand their horizons and challenge their limits.
By reinforcing number learning for toddlers, you can help them consolidate their number skills and prepare them for more advanced math learning in the future.
Conclusion
Learning numbers is one of the essential skills that toddlers need to develop in their early years. Numbers help them understand the world around them, communicate their needs and wants, and prepare them for more advanced math concepts later on.
In this article, we have shared with you 9 simple ways to teach numbers to toddlers using toys, songs, books, games, flashcards, crafts, videos, and cookies. We have also given you some tips on how to reinforce number learning for toddlers and answer some common questions that parents have about teaching numbers.
We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions that parents have about teaching numbers to toddlers:
Q: At what age should toddlers learn numbers?
A: Toddlers can start learning numbers as early as 18 months old. However, every toddler is different and learns at their own pace. Some toddlers may learn numbers faster or slower than others. The important thing is to follow your toddler's interest and readiness and not to force or pressure them.
Q: How many numbers should toddlers know?
A: According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), toddlers should be able to count up to 10 by age 3 and up to 20 by age 4. However, this is not a strict rule or a standard expectation. Some toddlers may know more or less numbers than others. The important thing is to focus on the quality rather than the quantity of number learning.
Q: How can I make number learning fun for my toddler?
A: You can make number learning fun for your toddler by using a variety of methods and materials that suit your toddler's preferences and personality. You can also make number learning fun by making it playful, interactive, creative, and meaningful for your toddler. You can also make number learning fun by involving your toddler's family, friends, or pets in the activities.
Q: How can I help my toddler with number difficulties?
A: If your toddler has difficulties with learning numbers, such as confusion, frustration, or boredom, you can help them by doing the following things:
Be patient and supportive: Be patient and supportive of your toddler's efforts and achievements in learning numbers. Do not criticize or compare them with others.
Be flexible and adaptable: Be flexible and adaptable to your toddler's needs and abilities in learning numbers. Do not force or rush them into something they are not ready for.
Be positive and encouraging: Be positive and encouraging of your toddler's progress and potential in learning numbers. Do not give up or lose hope on them.