A good understanding of mathematics before starting school helps children experience fewer difficulties in mathematics during their elementary school years. Small number games in preschool, which are enjoyable for the child and take place without pressure, contribute to the development of mathematical understanding. Create a number staircase with the child and practice the number sequence from 1 to 10 or beyond. Write the numbers large on cardboard and draw the corresponding quantity next to each number. Attach the cards to the edge of the stairs so that the first step corresponds to the number 1 and each subsequent step has the following numbers.

Forward and backward counting
Practice counting over a longer period of time. Hold the child’s hand and walk up or down the stairs in equal steps while counting forward or backward together. After several repetitions, the child will begin to count along. Forward counting is usually easier for children than backward counting, as backward counting develops after forward counting.

Recognizing quantities
A number staircase supports the learning experience that numbers have both a predecessor and a successor. Also, draw the child’s attention to the quantity images. Encourage the child to think, so they can recognize that exactly one point is added at each stair step. For children, it is not immediately obvious that number words, numerals, and quantities belong together. The development of quantity perception is an important learning process. Only through diverse experiences do children come to understand that the number word 5, the numeral 5, and the quantity 5 all represent the same thing.

Download numbers one to ten