Counting for Fun and Mastery of Numbers

Easy Numerical Activities to Fill Spare Time with Math Learning

Apr 30, 2009

Both teachers and substitutes have moments here and there when some students are at loose ends. Here's an enjoyable project they can retreat to while really learning.

When students have completed their assigned math tasks, there is still plenty of learning which can be done. Counting is one of the most intriguing activities to tackle. When individuals or a class get involved in counting, the concentration levels are amazing to watch.

Using the Empty Backs of School Papers for Counting

Not only does this task emphasize learning and focus of attention, it provides one more way to make your classroom a green one. For years students have been taught to use the empty backs of pages for learning, sometimes assigned and sometimes chosen as children learn to set their own goals.

Using Extra Moments for Counting Challenges

Ever wonder what to do with those extra moments before lunch, or between activities, or when some are finished and others aren't? Anchor activities can be designed to keep the classroom focused so the aura of concentration isn't completely lost toward the end of each period.

Counting challenges are a wonderful step in that direction. A student with available time can fold their paper into in inch strips lengthwise. After making the first fold, turning the paper over and over is sheer fun. The fold lines help the child maintain columns so the numbers don't run together.

At first the teacher will issue the challenge and get it set up as a classroom routine, and later a child can write a number challenge on a specified place on the board. The idea is to count vertically staying in the folded columns (lanes) to keep the numbers readable and spaced out. Some prefer going to a specified number, but due to individual differences in handwriting, it seems wise to allow the children to count to the bottom of the column, then move to the next column.

Counting for Individual Students

Depending on the individual's level, the task can be to count to 25, 50, 75, or even 100. However, after children understand the idea, letting the child set their own levels creates an environment where they tend to challenge themselves. Counting does not have to be competitive; it is enough that it can fill free time and teach skills.

Counting as a Team Activity in Math Class

This type of task can have all the excitement and group interest as a team sport! A substitute or teacher can instruct students to count when finished with their assignment. It's amazing how the classroom stays focused when the main assignment is completed, since they are eager to make progress on counting.

After most of the class has moved on to counting, teacher may point out the time remaining, which usually spurs on the whole group. Five minutes before the class is over, students can start turning in their sheets and writing on the board their final number for a final class total for that day. (This can also be done at the end of the day instead of the end of one period.)

If the class has studied rounding, they can round their number to the nearest hundred. After all numbers are on the board (in a column to facilitate adding) the class will add to determine the class total, then rounding to the nearest thousand.

Skills Learned by Counting in Spare Time

If you are a teacher or a substitute teacher, consider using counting activities to fill those spare moments. Even the wildest group becomes quiet and focused on learning, allowing the instructor to help those who need assistance. Counting is helpful for any age, grade, or level. Best of all, counting helps combat fear of math by having great fun and learning while counting!

The copyright of the article Counting for Fun and Mastery of Numbers in Primary School is owned by Hildra Tague. Permission to republish Counting for Fun and Mastery of Numbers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.