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
£150 - 170 per day
Location free text
Irlam
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
KS1 - Year 1
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Year 1 Teacher – Full-TimeLocation: Irlam Start Date: September Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pmAre you a passionate and committed teacher looking for your next exciting opportunity?Teaching P
Reference
M44 Y1 T
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South PrimaryAuthor
Manchester South PrimarySalary
£93 - 110 per day
Location free text
Great Yarmouth
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Great Yarmouth
Description
Unqualified Teaching Assistant – Great Yarmouth We’re looking for dependable and adaptable individuals to support schools across Great Yarmouth in the role of Unqualified Teaching Assistant.This is
Reference
CWYar16626
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£14.25 - 15.20 per hour
Location free text
Blackpool
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Blackpool
Description
Year 1 Teaching Assistant – Blackpool (FY1) Full Time | September Start | £14.25 per hourTeaching Personnel are currently recruiting for a Year 1 Teaching Assistant to join a friendly primary school
Reference
OLTCHASFY1GT6
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire North PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire North PrimarySalary
£92 - 100 per day
Location free text
Rustington
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
West Sussex
Description
Individual Needs Assistant (Primary School) Location: Rustington Contract: Full-time, Term-Time Only Start Date: September Pay: £92- £100Teaching Personnel is working closely with a welcoming and sup
Reference
TARUS2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton PrimaryAuthor
Brighton PrimarySalary
Market related
Location free text
Southampton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Southampton
Description
Primary Teachers & ECTs Required – Southampton | September StartAre you an enthusiastic Early Career Teacher (ECT) or an experienced Primary Teacher looking for your next opportunity this September?We
Reference
PTSOU1
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire PrimaryAuthor
Hampshire PrimarySalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Northampton
Description
1:1 Tutors & Learning Mentors Required – Northampton Are you passionate about helping young people succeed?TP Tutors, part of Teaching Personnel, is looking for committed and enthusiastic Tutors and
Reference
S363/Northampton
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£14.25 - 15.50 per hour
Location free text
Huyton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Merseyside
Description
Intervention Specialist Teaching AssistantLocation: Huyton (L36), Merseyside Start Date: September 2026 Contract: Flexible / Temporary (with potential for extension or permanent role) Pay Rate: £14.25
Reference
TG - 150625
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Liverpool Primary
Author
Liverpool PrimarySalary
£93 - 100 per day
Location free text
Cardiff
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Cardiff
Description
Start Date: ASAP / September 2026 Pay: £93 per day (paid weekly) Location: Barry Hours: Full-time (Monday–Friday)Welsh-Speaking Reception Class Teaching Assistant – Barry Are you a fluent Welsh speak
Reference
RSSCTA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cardiff West PrimaryAuthor
Cardiff West PrimarySalary
£160 - 240 per day
Location free text
Horley
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Teacher
Location
Surrey
Description
Part Time Yr4/5 Teacher Required (Horley)Job Title: Primary Supply TeacherLocation: Horley, SurreyStart Date: September 2026 Teaching Personnel are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Part-Time Prim
Reference
burstow teacher
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley PrimaryAuthor
Thames Valley PrimarySalary
£14.25 - 15.50 per hour
Location free text
Southport
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Merseyside
Description
We are recruiting SEN Teaching Assistants to support pupils on a 1:1 basis within primary schools across Southport, Ormskirk and surrounding areas.There is a particular demand for support within EYF
Reference
SEN TA PR9
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire Central PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire Central PrimaryRelated posts
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
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates 30 years, we hear from Senior Branch Manager, Hannah James, who reflects on her time with us these past 11 years. The impact we have on our schools and educat
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Vicky shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years.She joined as a trainee recruitment consultant and has become an
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As we celebrate 30 years of making difference, get to know Rebecca who has worked at Teaching Personnel for nearly a decade. Being able to support schools and help place the right educators
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates its 30-year anniversary, Jenny reflects on a decade of working at Teaching Personnel.From starting as a teaching assistant to overseeing multiple branches, her
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Gemma joined the Future Teachers Programme shortly after graduating. Now in a permanent teaching position, she reflects on how the programme shaped her classroom experience and supp
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Discover Ben Whittle’s role and find out about his impact within the Future Teachers Programme Read more How long have you been with Teaching Personnel and where are
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job