Games for Preschoolers on Counting Objects within 5

Counting is a fundamental skill for kids to master. Once kids have mastered counting, they can grasp the basic idea of all number concepts. Continue reading to learn the top ways to introduce preschoolers to counting skills.

Counting Skills: Why Do They Matter?

Counting is an integral skill to teach kids as it forms the basis of all other mathematical concepts. Without mastery and ease with counting, kids won’t be able to progress to grade school concepts like addition and subtraction. Counting is a developmental skill that lays the foundation for smooth progression through higher grades.

3 Fun Games to Make Counting Easy

With continued practice, counting games will help preschoolers scale up to more advanced math. Here are three interactive online games to start with:

Counting Sequence From 1 to 5

This simple, foundational game is made extra fun with cute cartoons. Kids apply the concept of counting a sequence of numbers to stacked objects. Objects are counted in horizontal arrangements.

Count to 5 Numbers

Kids use pictures as a visual aid in counting. The story format helps kids remember their learnings for longer. The music also helps kids who are auditory learners. This game involves working with numbers within 5.

Subitize to Count Within 5 Numbers

Simply put, subitizing is recognizing numbers in a set without actually counting. One of the best games for preschoolers, it involves solving a set of problems about patterns to get the answer.

Why Is Counting So Hard for Young Kids?

Counting seems so easy to adults. For preschoolers, however, effective counting involves internalizing a combination of many small, critical skills. These skills are sometimes referred to as number sense. It is basically an organic understanding of what numbers are and how they work. And with ineffective teaching, these skills can be hard to internalize.

Kids who naturally understand numbers can instantly grasp basic concepts like the existence of symbols for numbers. For instance, some preschoolers will understand that '5' means 5 things. However, some children may find it tricky to remember numbers and what they mean. 

What Can Parents Do to Help Kids Master Fundamental Counting Skills?

Math can be fun when you cover concepts through daily activities. For example, help your kids count their toys, point out objects in their room, and ask them to physically count by holding things up. And most importantly, practice, practice, practice!

Visual clues have been found effective in this regard to build working memory. Children register numbers and the associated symbols better when they are introduced through visuals or cartoons. They also retain the acquired number sense for longer. 

We at SplashLearn, understand the importance of visual learning in processing and retaining information. All our educational games incorporate current research and are frequently updated. At SplashLearn, parents can be assured of faster and more systematic learning for their kids all the way to grade 5 while also engaging all their senses.