Read your child whimsical counting books, selecting those with illustrations that use eye-catching colors. Make a game of learning by asking your child to find specific numbers in picture books. The “I Spy” series of books is especially conducive to this, because they have numbers and letters embedded in their elaborate tableaux.
Make a game of having your child search the room for numbers. Put plenty of fun numbered objects on the walls, such as calendars, numbered chore charts, number lines, thermometers and clocks. Go on a number hunt outside, seeking license plates, street signs and house numbers.
The next time you need to make a phone call, have your child dial it for you. You’ll be teaching number recognition and enjoying the benefits of having your own private secretary.
Have your child color in blocks of numbers you create, using crayons, markers or paints. Engage her creativity by letting her create shapes or patterns out of the numbers when she’s finished, or cut out numbers and glue different textures to them. Using her senses improves memory cognition and is a lot more fun for her.
Hand over the remote to your child and have him search for different television channels. Watching his favorite TV show makes a compelling incentive to get the numbers correct.
Go online with your child and try out some of the many free websites available that teach number recognition through games.