I recently started studying French again. I used to be able to speak a bit of French, and I decided to pick it up again. The biggest thing I am struggling with is numbers. I am not sure why, but it made me realize again how important it is to teach numbers well in Children’s English classes (ESL, EFL).
Update: Listen to this Blog as a Podcast Episode:
Top 5 Ideas for Teaching Numbers to Children
- Use flashcards to teach numbers. If the students are young teach 1-10. Count with your fingers, count objects, and use flash cards. Students from age 4 can start with numbers up to 100 and more. We count to 10,000 in my classes. First count 1-20, then by 10s to 100, then 1,000 then 10,000. Give it a try!
- Numbers Songs: After counting I follow up with a numbers song! Depending on the students level I use the following songs: Let’s Count 1 to 10, Let’s Count to 20, Let’s Count to 100 by 1s
- Ask the students their age: It is important for students to remember numbers individually, not just by counting up. Ask, “How old are you?” to your students. They can answer, “I’m five years old.” or more simply “I’m five.” Of course with their correct age.
- Numbers Dice Game: I have a large dice with numbers 1-6. First, I show the students the numbers on the dice, and then ask them to roll the dice. They have to say the number that lands on top in English. Fun and simple!
- Numbers Quiz: Show random number flashcards to your students and ask them “What number?” I sometimes show them really fast to add a challenge. You can also bring a group of students up to the front of the class and quiz them. I often combine this with asking them, “What’s your name?” after they answer I show a number flashcard and say, “What number?” It keeps the kids active and having fun
These are just some of my ideas for teaching numbers in your children’s English class. I hope they are helpful. Happy teaching!