How to make learning numbers fun for 6 year old?

Question

I have a 6 year old son who has a brain-block when it comes to learning numbers. Straight memorization is excruciating for him, so I need some fun ways to help him learn (11-30). Any ideas would be appreciated. Serious answers only please.

Answer 1

Coming from a very soon-to-be teacher: Try online games that are educational. I can't think of any off the top of my head that are specific to numbers, but sites like Noggin.com and Starfall.com may be a good place to start. Just do a search online and I'm sure you'll find a lot. I wish I had so many resources when I was growing up! Also, try having him construct the numbers himself with clay. For some kids being able to make the figures themselves helps their brain to recall them better. Finally, try incorporating numbers and counting into daily activities: Have him look for certian numbers while riding in the car, help you read recipes, whatever you can to help him make those connections. If there's still no progress, some children have forms of dyslexia when it comes to numbers (I believe it is referred to as dysgraphia?)... It's actually a lot more common than you would expect among school-aged children.

Answer 2

Games like snakes and ladders are great for this. Any game that has numbers on them. Even those that don't. Write the numbers you need on seperate pieces of paper and when he get's it right he has his turn in whatever game you are playing. Only let him give it 3 tries before telling him good try ...tell him the number and put it back in the pile. if he get's it right it goes on the table.
Also explain to him how if it has a 2 in front that means 20 and it is followed by ...suppose 1 so it's 21. If he has 1-10 done pat then the other numbers will fall into place once he realises the consistancy of numbers. Lot's of fun and games he will pick it up very quickly

Answer 3

Use sidewalk chalk and write the numbers together somewhere strange (like the kitchen floor or on the side of the house); make numbers in shaving cream on a cookie sheet; line lima beans up in the shape of the numbers; write numbers on lima beans with a sharpie and then play a bingo type game where you call the numbers out, your child chooses the bean with the right number written on it and places it on a bingo square and he gets a prize if he gets so many right; play hidden treasure: hide little wrapped treasures in the house or yard and write a number on each one...call out a number and if your child finds the prize with the right number, he can open and keep it! If not, he has to put them away and play again the next day, etc. until all prizes have been claimed; Since he knows 1-10, go over 1-12 for a few days before going beyond 11 and 12...look for examples of these numbers in everyday life--reward him with a clap, a sticker, or a special phrase (you are the number man!) everytime he finds one of the numbers bigger than 10 and points them out...

Answer 4

Studies show that the brains remembers patterns fast...

Which is why childeren know all the words to the songs on the radio

but can't tell you how to spell dog...

So sit down one day and make a rap sone from 11- 30 then teach it to your son..
and he may remember those numbers

Answer 5

When you're reading or even out and about, have him count things. He can also help you bake. Kids love that and he can be in charge of filling up the measuring cups. How many red cars pass your house? How many blue trucks did you see in the arking lot? Once you start looking, it will get easier to find things for him to count. Have fun!

Answer 6

My daughter loves grapes and strawberries for snack. Sometimes, we count out how many we are going to eat and things like that. Make up silly songs when your are getting ready for bed, bathtime or something of that nature. Good luck!

Answer 7

Dance and sing, make rhymes that go with the numbers.

Answer 8

~~~make up a song,,,word association works wonders,,,,and always remember the "positive reinforcement" ~~~