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
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Coventry
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Coventry
Description
1:1 Tutor – Coventry Area Location: Coventry and surrounding areas Hours: Flexible, during school hours Setting: Pupil's Home or School Environment Pay: Competitive rates, dependent on experienceWe a
Reference
S355/Coventry
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£32k - 47k per year
Location free text
Wigan
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
KS2 - Year 3
Location
Wigan
Description
KS2 TeacherLocation: WiganPosition: Full-Time KS2 Teacher Start: September 2026Are you passionate about inspiring young minds and shaping the future generation? A Primary School in Wigan is seeking a
Reference
WigPri
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North SecondaryAuthor
Manchester North SecondarySalary
£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 Tutor – Northampton - NN7 Area Location: NN7 Area Hours: School Hours (Flexible) Setting: Pupil's Home or School Environment Pay: Competitive Rates (Dependent on Experience)We are currently seeki
Reference
S351/NN7
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£93 - 110 per day
Location free text
Thetford
Job Type
Permanent
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Thetford
Description
Get Ready for Teaching Assistant Work for the 2026/27 Academic Year! We're looking for motivated and adaptable individuals to support schools across the Thetford area from September 2026. Whether you
Reference
CWThet9626
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£120 - 140 per day
Location free text
Plymouth
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Teacher
Location
Plymouth
Description
Primary Supply Teacher – Flexible Roles Available (September Start) Plymouth, Tavistock & surrounding areas Competitive daily rates | PAYEAre you a passionate Primary Teacher looking for flexibili
Reference
Supply Teach Pri
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Plymouth BranchAuthor
Plymouth BranchSalary
£120 - 180 per day
Location free text
Leeds
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
West Yorkshire
Description
Primary TeacherTeaching Personnel is looking to appoint a primary school teacher to work in our Leeds Primary Schools. The post is for full-time and part-time roles from Monday to Friday, term time on
Reference
Leeds teacher 09/06
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
West Yorkshire PrimaryAuthor
West Yorkshire PrimarySalary
£32,916 - 45,350 per year
Location free text
Fallowfield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
KS2 - Year 5
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Job Title: Year 5 Class Teacher Start Date: September 2026 Contract: Full-time (permanent / fixed-term – amend as required) Salary: MPS / UPS (dependent on experience) Location: Fallowfield, M14The R
Reference
Year 5 TCH
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester South PrimaryAuthor
Manchester South PrimarySalary
£100 - 110 per day
Location free text
Birmingham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Birmingham
Description
Level 3 Teaching Assistant Join a School Where Every Child MattersWe are seeking an enthusiastic, committed, and highly motivated Level 3 Teaching Assistant to join our welcoming and ambitious school
Reference
TA - B16
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Birmingham PrimaryAuthor
Birmingham PrimarySalary
£140 - 180 per day
Location free text
Norwich
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Teacher
Location
Norwich
Description
Primary Supply Teacher – Flexible Work Available Norwich & Outskirts | Immediate Start | Day-to-Day & Short-Term RolesAre you a qualified Primary Teacher looking for flexible teaching work in local sc
Reference
NRST
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£140 - 180 per day
Location free text
Lowestoft
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Teacher
Location
Suffolk
Description
Primary Supply Teacher – Flexible Work Available Lowestoft & Outskirts | Immediate Start | Day-to-Day & Short-Term RolesAre you a qualified Primary Teacher looking for flexible teaching work in local
Reference
LWSST
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Related 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