Counting Games for 6-Year-Old

Easy Games

• Have the children sit in a circle and point at one child. That child must say "one." You will then point at another child in the circle, and he must say "two." Each child must say the next number in sequential order until he reaches 20. After 20, the children start back at one. For a harder version, have the children count to 30, 40 or 50. For another idea, have the children toss a beach ball to one another while counting as high as they can.

Jar Games

• Create two sets of 10 jars, each set labeled 1 through 10. Have one child stand in front of each set of jars. Give each child a bowl of random objects like marbles, dice, coins, rocks or candy. When you say "Go," the children must race to put the correct number of items in each jar. The first player to put the correct amounts in each jar wins the game. If you have only one set of jars, time the children, and the player with the fastest time wins the game.

Flashcards

• Flashcards are an easy way to help young children learn how to count. Make your own flashcards by drawing a certain number of random items on each card. Hold the cards up, and the first child to tell you how many items are on the card wins a small prize. To make the game more difficult, write addition and subtraction problems on the cards. Addition and subtraction cards are available at retail stores and online.

Money Games

• Help 6-year-olds count using bags of money. Place fake money in plastic zipper bags and have the children practice counting the money. Use bills and coins in each bag. To play a game, hand two children a moneybag, and the first child to count the correct amount wins the game. For another variation, give the children some play money and coins. Call out an amount and have the children count out the amount of money in front of them.