Schoolchildren 'can become more numerate by counting with their fingers'
Counting on one's fingers can play a crucial role in establishing a foundation of mathematical understanding for schoolchildren, according to new research.
The Sheffield Hallam University study has indicated that finger-based maths games may represent a much more important part of maths learning than previously thought, and ought not to be seen as a behaviour that should be discouraged.
For this research, a group of 137 primary school pupils aged between six and seven were asked to take part in a number of counting and number games, with a select group assigned exercises that involved finger-training.
Whereas some students were asked to take part in games involving numerical symbols like dominoes or snakes and ladders, others played finger games, such being asked to hold up a given number of digits, or tasks that involved assigning specific numbers to their individual fingers.
All of these children were shown to perform slightly better in maths tests than a third group of pupils who had simply continued with their regular maths teaching, but the group which did both the counting and finger games fared significantly better.
This indicates that the use of fingers in early maths learning can play an important role in helping children to conceptualise mathematical concepts in a more tangible way, giving them a means of understanding the theory on a deeper level.
Professor Tim Jay of Sheffield Hallam University said: "This study provides evidence that fingers provide children with a bridge between different representations of numbers, which can be verbal, written or symbolic. Combined finger training and number games could be a useful tool for teachers to support children's understanding of numbers."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£35,092 - 48,349 per year
Location free text
Bournemouth
Job Type
Permanent
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
KS2 - Year 4
Location
Bournemouth
Description
Are you a passionate and resilient Primary Teacher looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people?We are seeking a dedicated Primary Teacher to join a specialist school supportin
Reference
LWSENPriTchBou3
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Brackley
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
1:1 Tutor – Home or School-Based TuitionLocation: Brackley and surrounding areas Hours: During school hours Contract: Flexible / Part-time Start Date: ASAPAbout the RoleTP Tutors is seeking experience
Reference
A16/Brackley
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northampton
Description
Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Northampton and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible, Temporary with potential for permanent opportunities Hours: Monday–Friday, school hours Pay: Comp
Reference
A15/Northampton
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Peterborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Peterborough
Description
Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Coventry and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible, Temporary with potential for permanent opportunities Hours: Monday to Friday, school hours Pay: Comp
Reference
A14/Peterborough
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Coventry
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Coventry
Description
Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Coventry and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible, Temporary with potential for permanent opportunities Hours: Monday to Friday, school hours Pay: Comp
Reference
A13/Coventry
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Kettering
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northamptonshire
Description
Tutor – Primary, Secondary, GCSE & SENDLocation: Kettering and surrounding areas Job Type: Flexible, Temporary with potential for permanent opportunities Hours: Monday to Friday, school hours Pay: Com
Reference
A12/Kettering
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£170 - 180 per day
Location free text
Penarth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
KS1 - Year 2
Location
Vale of Glamorgan
Description
Teaching Personnel are working with a primary school in Penarth who are looking for an enthusiastic and adaptable Year 1 & 2 Teacher to join their team.This is a fantastic opportunity for a teacher wh
Reference
TchPen
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cardiff West PrimaryAuthor
Cardiff West PrimarySalary
£90 - 100 per day
Location free text
Llanishen
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Cardiff
Description
eaching Personnel are working with a primary school in the Llanishen area of Cardiff who are looking for a committed and adaptable Teaching Assistant to join their Specialist Resource Base (SRB).This
Reference
TATSM
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cardiff West PrimaryAuthor
Cardiff West PrimarySalary
£170 - 180 per day
Location free text
Llanishen
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
KS2 - Year 4
Location
Cardiff
Description
Teaching Personnel are working with a primary school in the Llanishen area of Cardiff who are looking for a confident and engaging Year 4 Teacher to join their team.This is an exciting opportunity for
Reference
TchTSM
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cardiff West PrimaryAuthor
Cardiff West PrimarySalary
£14.25 - 16.00 per hour
Location free text
Blackburn
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Blackburn
Description
Teaching Assistant - Blackburn Location: Blackburn Role: Teaching Assistant Setting: Mainstream Primary School Duration: Academic Year Pay Rate: £14.00 - £16.00 per hourTeaching Assistant Opportuni
Reference
BLATEA011026
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire Central PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire Central PrimaryRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants' Day 2026, we're delighted to recognise the incredible individuals who have been selected as our Teaching Assistant of the Year winners.This year,
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
After a well-earned summer break, schools across the UK are opening their doors once again for a new academic year. Whether you're returning to a familiar classroom or starting a new role, Septemb
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD08YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for changes to the way temporary staff are sourced from September 2026, many will look to work more closely with framework-approved recruitment partners. Understandin
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Summer has only just started, and September might seem a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. Schools and trusts are already planning for September, with new opportunities open
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Danielle shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years. She's completed an apprenticeship, managed a branch and w
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Patrick highlights a decade of his work as Teaching Personnel celebrates a milestone of 10 years.He's built relationships with schools and his own management style to successfully run a branch
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job