Numbers are abstract concepts. Apples are small, and ships are large. The "1" in "1 apple" and the "1" in "1 ship" are different in a child's eyes. How can we help children understand the concept of numbers? Parents can start by using playing cards to introduce the numbers 1 through 10, helping them memorize the shapes of these numbers through visual memory. Once they understand, gradually guide them to comprehend the abstract numerical concepts like one card or two cards. In playing card games, children can be trained to recognize numbers and improve their calculation abilities. Here are some ways:
1. **Call Out the Number**
- Select cards numbered 1 through 10. Parents and children take turns drawing cards and then play them in turn. When playing a card, loudly announce its number. If correct, reward with the corresponding number of cards. For example, if the child correctly announces "2," the parents reward him with two cards.
2. **Soldier Parade**
- First, teach the baby to count from 1 to 10. Then, you act as the officer and give orders for certain soldiers (cards) to step forward. Let the baby represent the soldier and pick out the corresponding card. If the baby picks the wrong card, penalize the "soldier" by making them repeat their number three times, and then continue the game.
3. **Ordering**
- A child’s memory is often image-based. By having them recombine the memory carriers in different ways, we cultivate an important form of creative thinking.
- For instance, let the child arrange the playing cards in different sequences: from largest to smallest, from smallest to largest, skipping every other card, combinations within hearts, combinations across different suits, etc., creating countless variations. This helps develop the child's creative thinking ability.
4. **Compare Sizes**
- Once the child can read the numbers on the cards fluently, you can play the size comparison game with them. Divide the deck into two halves, giving each person half. Each player plays one card, and whoever has the larger card wins both cards. If the cards are equal, set them aside and play the next card. The winner takes all the cards from that round, and at the end, count who has more cards. You can also reverse the rules and compare which card is smaller, training the child’s reverse thinking. Through this process, not only can the child learn to recognize numbers, but they can also understand the concept of size between numbers.
- This game helps the baby transition from simply counting aloud to physically counting objects while coordinating hand and mouth movements. It also teaches them to distinguish which numbers are larger or smaller, developing and reinforcing their understanding of numerical relationships and improving their counting skills.
5. **Fishing**
- The game can have as few as two players or as many as desired. Based on the number of participants, divide the deck into corresponding portions. Each player lays down one card in a long row.
- Whoever plays a card matching one already in the row gets all the cards between and including the two matching cards. The player with the most cards at the end wins. This game also helps cultivate the child’s sharp observational skills by identifying matching numbers among numerous cards in the row.
- After becoming familiar, increase the difficulty by incorporating addition and subtraction. For example, if there’s a “10” in the row, playing an “8” and a “2” together can also win the sequence back.
6. **Addition and Subtraction**
- There’s a traditional poker game called "Calculate 24 Points." In this game, randomly draw four cards and use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to make the result exactly 24. The fastest and most accurate player wins. This is a standard intellectual game.
- Modify this game for simpler addition and subtraction. Each player plays one card, and the child calculates the sum of the two cards. Initially, let the child count the hearts or diamonds on the cards to get the answer. If correct, the cards go to the child; if incorrect, they go to mom. Gradually, with practice, the child will be able to quickly announce the sum without needing to count the symbols, practicing addition and subtraction within 20, which is within the teaching range of kindergarten senior classes.
- When playing, remove J, Q, K, and A to avoid confusion.
- To keep the child interested in playing cards, give them opportunities to win at first. As they become proficient, play seriously with them and teach them to face winning and losing with the right attitude.
In the process of using playing card games to help children recognize numbers and improve their calculation skills, encourage the child to loudly announce the number of the card they are playing, thereby strengthening their recognition of numbers. It’s worth noting that children have individual differences. Regardless of the method used, parents should proceed step by step.