1, 2, 3… Ready to Count? Engaging Ways to Build Rote Counting Skills
When a child can remember and recite numbers in the correct order they are rote counting. This can be as simple as counting "1, 2, 3, ..." or sequences such as counting on the decade from 10 to 100. When rote counting, children aren't "counting" objects, they are simply saying the number names in the correct sequence without repeating or skipping over a number. It's important to remember that rote counting is, first and foremost, a memory exercise. Like all memory exercises, practice and repetition are key to success. Below are a few ideas to support children learning to rote count.
Copy Me
The simplest way to teach rote counting is to say a short sequence of numbers out loud and have a child repeat the numbers. For example, you count aloud, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5" then the child repeats "1, 2, 3, 4, 5." Next, you count "6, 7, 8, 9, 10" and the child repeats the sequence. Repeat several times. To maintain interest say the count in different ways (e.g. loud, soft, slow, fast etc.) and gradually increase the range.
Count Around the Circle
Choose a number range (e.g. 1-10) and have a group of children stand in a circle. One child starts the count with "one", then the next child says "two." Continue around the circle. The child who says "ten" sits down and the count resumes with the next child starting at "one". Counting continues until only one child is left standing. This activity can also be used to practice more difficult number sequences that involve crossing a decade (e.g. counting 17, 18, 19, 20, 21).
Count with a Partner
Children sit facing a partner. One partner says "one", the other says "two", and so on. Partners count to a given number. They then begin again with the other partner saying "one". This way both partners get to say the numbers they never said the first time.
Use Counting Songs and Rhymes
Sing songs that emphasize counting forwards and backwards. Five Little Ducks and The Ants Go Marching are two examples of songs that provide opportunities for children to practice counting.
Traditional counting rhymes such as One, Two Tie My Shoe or Once I Caught a Fish Alive can be used as shared reading texts with a new rhyme introduced each week. Once children are familiar with a rhyme it can be laminated and cut into strips for use as a center activity. Children can work alone, or with a partner, to order the strips and read the rhyme. Cloze activity versions of each rhyme with the numbers missing can also be laminated and used with dry erase markers for children to practice reading the rhymes and writing the missing numerals.
Counting Books
There are many wonderful picture books that provide
opportunities for children to practice counting in
sequence. See this post for some of our favorites or
ask your librarian for recommendations.
MISCONCEPTIONS AND COMMON ERRORS
- Children who confuse the sequence of numbers (e.g. 1, 4, 7, 8, 2), skip numbers (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7), or repeat numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, 2, 3, 4) need more experience counting with a smaller range of numbers. Work on building fluency within a small range before gradually increasing the range.
- In English words for the 'teen' numbers can be confusing since they do not follow the pattern of other decade numbers. For example, unlike "twenty-four" where we say "twenty" then "four," in "fourteen" we say "four" (the ones place) before "teen" (the tens place). In contrast, in some Asian languages, the word for 14 translates into "ten four," and 24 translates into "two ten, four." Eleven, twelve, and thirteen are often the most difficult teen numbers to master. Provide lots of practice in reciting teen number sequences.
- Many children experience difficulty in transitioning from one decade to the next (e.g., from 29 to 30, or from 99 to 100). They might say "29, 20-10" instead of "29, 30," showing a lack of understanding of the sequential order and place value. Encourage regular counting practice in different contexts to help reinforce the sequence of numbers.
Rote counting sets the foundation for many important mathematical skills. Repetition is the key to success. Keep practice fun by weaving a mix of games, songs, counting rhymes, and picture books into your weekly routines!
