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[Childcare] Learn Numbers Through Play! Ideas to Use in Early Childhood Education

Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

Some teachers may want to incorporate learning and education into childcare.

Also, it might be good for children to remember simple numbers in preparation for starting school.

However, for kindergarten and nursery school children, play is what matters most.

Many teachers may be wondering how to integrate numbers into childcare.

So this time, we’ll introduce ideas for number games that let children learn numbers while playing.

When play is enjoyable, children naturally absorb all kinds of things, right?

Be sure to incorporate number games and help children learn numbers in a fun way.

[Childcare] Learn Numbers by Playing! Ideas to Use in Early Childhood Education (11–20)

Finger Smash

Simple, fun at-home game with no props: Finger Suma

Finger Smash

Isn’t “Yubi-suma” (Finger Up) a game that almost everyone played at least once as a child? You don’t need any equipment, and two people are enough, so it’s easy to enjoy anytime.

Place your hands together in front of your body and clench them into fists.

Play rock–paper–scissors to decide the order.

Using the number of players × 2 as the maximum, each person says one number on their turn and raises their thumbs.

It’s fine not to raise any thumbs at all.

If the number you called matches the total number of thumbs raised, you lower one hand.

The first person to lower both hands wins.

It’s a great game for 4- to 5-year-olds that helps them naturally learn numbers and makes them want to count on their own.

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Various number-taking game

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It’s a game where you use various cards—numbers, symbols, illustrations, and more—to find 1 through 10! While becoming familiar with numbers and letters, kids develop number recognition, concentration, and the ability to follow rules.

By cooperating or competing with friends, their communication skills improve too.

It’s full of clever ideas that naturally lead to learning through play.

Even adults watching will want to join in.

Give it a try—children and adults can play together and enjoy a great time.

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Number Touch Game

[Therapeutic Play Introduction] Number Touch Game #AfterSchoolDayService #NurseryTeacher #ChildcareWorker #Kanagawa

Number Touch Game

Let me introduce a number-touch game where you touch numbers posted on the wall.

Prepare by writing numbers on pieces of paper and sticking them randomly on the wall.

Have the children memorize the positions of the numbers on the wall.

The teacher calls out a number, and the children touch that number—this is the game.

It also helps train memory and reaction speed by remembering where the called number is.

Adjust the height of the numbers to match the children’s reach and give it a try.

You can also make the numbers easier to remember by using different colors of paper or other creative touches.

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In conclusion

I introduced number play ideas that can be used in early childhood care.

It would be great if numbers were not something to study, but a fun material to play with for children.

As they become more familiar with numbers, they may develop new interests in other activities as well.

Let’s all have fun playing with numbers together.