The core number-related concepts young children need to learn include recognizing the numbers, knowing the name of each number, understanding their sequence and eventually grasping the idea that each number corresponds to a specific quantity of things being counted. These concepts are essential as the foundation for the addition, subtraction and other math functions children will learn later.
One of the easiest ways to teach children about counting is by making a game out of it at snack time. Cereal rings, animal crackers or pretzel sticks are healthy snacks for young children that also lend themselves to counting activities. Count out the food pieces as you set them in front of the child. Line them up and ask the child to count them in sequence. Rearrange the food items into groups and ask the child to count how many are in each group. The best part of food-related counting activities is that the kids can eat their lessons.
Many educational toys created for teaching counting are designed to allow young children to build up to a certain number -- five and 10 are common endpoints. From a baby's earliest stacking toy to making beaded necklaces or toy caterpillars, children can learn the concept of starting with one and adding on to get to higher numbers. This teaches them sequencing and also lays the foundation for higher concepts such as addition and subtraction. Some toys, such as play snowmen or stacking rings, also allow children to observe and compare size differences. For example, the stacking ring for number 5 is larger than the one ring for number 1.
Reinforce counting concepts in daily life with your young child. When shopping, ask the child to pick out two boxes of cereal or three apples. Let them help with chores, such as setting the table, in which they can count out the items -- four people in the family need four cups, four spoons and four bowls, for example. When playing with their toys, ask them to count specific things, such as red trucks or stuffed cats.