Activities to Teach Students to Count Forward and Backward – Up to 20
Counting is an essential skill that every student needs to learn from a young age. Counting forwards and backward can be a challenging task for young learners, but with the right practice, they can quickly master it. In this article, we will explore some fun and exciting activities that you can use to teach students to count forward and backward up to 20.
1. Counting Songs and Rhymes:
The use of songs and rhymes is an effective way of making counting fun for young learners. There are plenty of counting songs and rhymes that you can teach your students. For example, you can teach them the classic nursery rhyme, “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.” As they sing along, ask them to count the number of monkeys left on the bed after one jumps off until there are none left.
2. Counting Games:
Introducing counting games is another excellent technique to make learning fun. The number board game is a great way to teach counting forwards and backward up to 20. The game involves rolling a dice and moving a pawn on a board with numbers on it. As students advance on the board, ask them to say the numbers out loud to reinforce counting skills.
3. Flashcards:
Flashcards are a great way to reinforce counting skills. Create a set of number flashcards with numbers from 1 to 20. To teach counting backward, show students the number twenty, then gradually drop each number back until they get to one. To teach counting forwards, start with the number one, then show students the next number, gradually moving up to twenty.
4. Hands-on Manipulatives:
Hands-on manipulatives are another effective way to teach counting skills. For example, you can use blocks, beads, or even Cheerios to demonstrate counting forwards and backward. Use these materials to count with students, and as you do, ask them to identify the number they are counting.
5. Counting Books:
Counting books are another fun way to teach counting forward and backward. Choose a counting book with numbers from 1-20 and read it aloud to students. As you read, ask them to count the items on the page. Also, ask students to identify the number on each page, reinforcing their recognition of numbers.
In conclusion, learning to count forwards and backward is a crucial foundation skill for young learners. The activities outlined above provide enjoyable and interactive ways to teach students the necessary counting skills they need to succeed. Try out these techniques and watch as your students become counting superstars!