Teen numbers are generally referred to as the numbers that end with ‘teen’. In fact, they are any number that has more than a group of ten. You can visualize this by drawing two charts on a paper. There needs to be 10 boxes in each chart. If the number fills the first chart and starts on the second then it is considered a teen, these start at eleven.
Learning these numbers is essential for basic counting skills. Fortunately, you can learn and then practice these numbers with your children through several fun activities. It is also important to ensure your chosen early learning centre adopts a similar approach.
The earlier children learn to read and do math the better, research suggests this is likely to lead to academic success.
1. Abacus
The abacus used to be an important accounting tool, mainly to remember how much had been counted as opposed to being used for counting. Today, it is a great way to teach children teen numbers.
The abacus is colourful and you can group beads to show children what you mean by groups of ten or more. Once you’ve shown the children, you can get them to identify the number of beads you’re moving and whether they are a teen number or not. The child can even test you as they always find this fun.
2. Use Lego
Lego and a printed number mat is another way to get children used to teen numbers; Simply print the number mats and then tell them to fill the relevant squares with the Lego bricks. If they get it right they can even be challenged to make something from the Lego.
Of course, for very small children you would need to use Duplo bricks instead, but the principle is the same.
3. Games
There are hundreds of games you can play with children inside or outside that use numbers. For example, jumping rope a set number of times, playing hopscotch, (but using the teen numbers instead of 1-10).
You can also create squares or circles and write teen numbers in them, then give the children a beanbag and get them to throw it into a square. They have to identify the number it landed in.
The great thing about this is that they are moving while learning, research shows this makes it easier for brain connections to be made.
4. Sing It
Songs are generally catchy and they stick in your head. If you teach your children the teen numbers via a song and get them to learn the song, they will repeat it regularly. They can then use the song to help them identify the right teen number when they need it.
5. Scavenger Hunts
This is basically a treasure hunt. Simply set the parameters and get the children to hunt for as many teen numbers as possible. The winning team gets a prize. That’s fun, a great motivator, and they’re learning at the same time. After all, they are only young once, it should be fun.
