Early mathematical skills
Early mathematical skills icon
Child sitting with father on couch in living room and tapping on smartphone.

Typing phone numbers

Typing a telephone number can be a fun activity that promotes a child's mathematical understanding and memory. A telephone number is a sequence of numbers that the child gradually learns through repeated listening, pointing, repeating, and typing. This strengthens the child's understanding of the meaning and sequence of numbers. Telephone numbers demonstrate how numbers can be used as ›codes.‹ For example, if you say: »This is Auntie's phone number«, the child learns that numbers can have different meanings. Through the various applications of numbers, the child learns that numbers don’t just represent quantities (like five bananas), but can also be used as units of measurement (like four years old), to repeat actions (like hopping four times), or as contact information (like a phone number). Understanding these different applications of numbers forms an important foundation for mathematical thinking because it helps children develop a broader understanding of the meaning and functions of numbers.

Getting to know familiar numbers

Start with groups of two or three digits, which the child repeats and types on the keypad. For example: »Look, this is our phone number. I'll tell you the first two digits and show them to you on the keypad. Just repeat them and type them in.« Begin with 2 to 3 digits and add more as you go. With regular practice, your child will get used to the sequence of numbers and begin to recall them from memory. This builds the child’s confidence and independence. It can be helpful to practice with a familiar number, such as the one from home or from the grandparents. However, make sure the phone is in flight mode to avoid accidental calls. If your child already has a good command of the number sequence, it can be motivating to let the phone ring ›properly‹ once. Let the child type in the private number of home or close relatives to simulate a real call. This makes the exercise more exciting and provides an additional incentive.

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Shaping the future together

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