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
£92 - 100 per day
Location free text
Worthing
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Primary
Location
West Sussex
Description
Learning Support Assistant – 1:1 Autism Support (Full-Time) Location: Worthing, West Sussex Employer: Teaching Personnel Start Date: September Schedule: Monday to Friday, Full-TimeTeaching Personnel a
Reference
INAWROT
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton PrimaryAuthor
Brighton PrimarySalary
£87 - 95 per day
Location free text
Yeovil
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Somerset
Description
Teaching Assistant – SEN (Full-Time, Immediate Start)Join a welcoming and supportive specialist school in Yeovil where staff are passionate about helping every child thrive.This setting provides a nur
Reference
HK907
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£32,916 - 45,352 per year
Location free text
Yeovil
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Teacher
Location
Somerset
Description
SEN Teacher (QTS) – Specialist Provision | Full-Time | September 2026 StartThe Opportunity We are recruiting a passionate and dedicated SEN Teacher with QTS to join a highly supportive specialist sett
Reference
HK902
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£87 - 95 per day
Location free text
Yeovil
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Somerset
Description
The Opportunity We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join a highly supportive specialist setting in Somerset.This provision supports pupils aged 11-14 with a range of
Reference
HK895
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£130 - 180 per day
Location free text
Newbury
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Newbury
Description
Primary Supply Teacher Location: Newbury and surrounding areas Salary: £130–£180 per day Employer: Teaching PersonnelTeaching Personnel is currently recruiting reliable and adaptable Primary Supply Te
Reference
Supply - Newbury 4
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley PrimaryAuthor
Thames Valley PrimarySalary
£130 - 180 per day
Location free text
Reading
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Reading
Description
Primary Supply Teacher – Reading Location: Reading Salary: Competitive daily rates (£130–£180 per day) Employer: Teaching PersonnelAre you a passionate Primary Teacher looking for flexibility and vari
Reference
Supply - RG2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Thames Valley PrimaryAuthor
Thames Valley PrimarySalary
£95 - 120 per day + benefits
Location free text
Maidstone
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Maidstone
Description
Primary Teaching Assistants Wanted!Full-Time & Part-Time Opportunities AvailableLocation: Maidstone & nearby areas Start: Immediate start available Contract: Flexible – short-term, long-term & temp-to
Reference
MH-PRI TA-2
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Branch SecondaryAuthor
Branch SecondarySalary
£14.25 - 15.00 per hour
Location free text
Nelson
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Nelson
Description
We are seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic, and nurturing Reception Class Teaching Assistant to join our Early Years team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about supporting young c
Reference
EYFSTABB9
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire East PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire East PrimarySalary
£92.63 - 92.63 per day
Location free text
Winchester
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Hampshire
Description
Learning Support AssistantPrimary School in Winchester Salary Details: £92.63 a daySeptember 2026Hours of work: Full time (Monday to Friday 8.30-3.30pm) Are you an experienced Learning Support Assist
Reference
LSAW44
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire PrimaryAuthor
Hampshire PrimarySalary
£14.25 - 15.10 per hour
Location free text
Bispham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Lancashire
Description
Year 5 Teaching Assistant – Bispham (FY2) Start: ASAP | Ongoing into September 2026 Full-time | Through Teaching PersonnelTeaching Personnel are currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Teach
Reference
oltabisphamasdp567
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Lancashire North PrimaryAuthor
Lancashire North 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 work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job