Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu

Schoolchildren 'can become more numerate by counting with their fingers'

Date posted : 28 June 2017

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."

List #1

Related posts

Your Easter 2024 Payroll

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD03YY

Summary

Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Working as a Supply Teacher
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Working as a Supply Teacher

Teaser

Supply Teaching

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD01YY

Summary

Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou

Teaser

All your common questions about supply teaching answered

Read more
Alex Schulte

by

Alex Schulte

Alex Schulte

by

Alex Schulte

Navigating the Challenges of SEN Provision: A Call to Action in 2024

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD01YY

Summary

Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England

Teaser

Dive into the critical world of Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision with eye-opening statistics and real challenges faced by schools. Discover the importance of tailored support and the impact on learners.

Read more
Recruitment and Retention for MAT Leaders

Teaser

Multi-Academy Trusts

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD11YY

Summary

Laura Williams is an education leadership coach with fifteen years of leadership experience in education across business, operations, HR, finance and governance. She is a former Business Manager, CO

Teaser

Read more

by

Scott Owen

by

Scott Owen

Addressing Bullying: Transforming "Banter" into Respectful Dialogue

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD11YY

Summary

Creating a safe and nurturing environment for pupils is paramount in the age of evolving social dynamics. One issue that has gained significant attention in recent years is the distinction between

Teaser

Addressing the fine line between banter and bullying. Learn how seemingly harmless 'banter' can take a dark turn into hurtful bullying and the impact it has on students' well-being.

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

view of young girl with glasses from behind working on school work
Teaching Personnel and Ark Curriculum Plus Delivering Mathematics Mastery

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD11YY

Summary

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson addressed the Labour Party conference in October, where she announced plans to reform primary maths. Currently, one in four children leave primary school

Teaser

Discover how Teaching Personnel and Ark Curriculum Plus are revolutionizing primary math education in Leeds, Liverpool, Preston, and Sheffield.

Read more
Teacher in shirt and tie supervising students at desks taking exams in a school hall
How to Prepare Pupils for Their Mock Exams: A Guide for Educators

Teaser

Tips and Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD10YY

Summary

Mock exams are a crucial milestone in a pupil's academic journey, serving as a practice run for the real deal. As educators, you play a pivotal role in helping pupils navigate through these trial ex

Teaser

Our educator's guide offers tips to prepare students for mock exams, helping them gain confidence and perform well.

Read more
How to create a teacher supply pool this term

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

In the fast-moving world of education, headteachers and schools face the challenge of ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of qualified teachers. Unforeseen teacher absences due to staff sickness

Teaser

Learn how to build a resilient supply pool of trusted teachers with Teaching Personnel to combat shortages, reduce costs, and enhance education quality.

Read more
How to Survive Your PGCE: Essential Tips for Aspiring Educators

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

Embarking on the journey to become an educator is both exhilarating and demanding. The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is crucial to achieving your teaching ambitions. The road ahead

Teaser

In this comprehensive guide, brought to you by Teaching Personnel, we'll delve into valuable insights and actionable tips to help you navigate this transformative phase of your professional development.

Read more
5 Tips for Managing Your Teaching Workload

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD08YY

Summary

Teaching is a rewarding profession that plays a crucial role in shaping our society's future. However, it comes with its challenges. The workload can be demanding, which might sometimes lead to feelin

Teaser

Teaching is a rewarding profession that plays a crucial role in shaping our society's future. However, it comes with its challenges. The workload can be demanding, which might sometimes lead to feelings of stress.

Read more
company logo
Search