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
£33.7k - 46.5k per year
Location free text
Frome
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Teacher
Location
Somerset
Description
Inspire Achievement Through Inclusive Education Teaching Personnel is recruiting an exceptional SEN Teacher to join a thriving specialist provision in Frome from September 2026, with flexibility for
Reference
HK997
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£120 - 140 per day
Location free text
Plymouth
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Plymouth
Description
Primary Supply Teacher – Flexible Teaching OpportunitiesLocation: Plymouth & Surrounding AreasCompany: Teaching PersonnelSalary: Competitive Daily RatesJob Type: Flexible / SupplyAre you a passionate
Reference
Primary Tch
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Plymouth BranchAuthor
Plymouth BranchSalary
£87 - 95 per day
Location free text
Yeovil
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Somerset
Description
SEN Teaching Assistant Yeovil | Full-Time & Part-Time Opportunities | September 2026 Start Help Shape Positive Futures Teaching Personnel is seeking caring, motivated and resilient SEN Teaching Ass
Reference
HK991
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£34k - 46k 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 Yeovil | Full-Time Position | September 2026 Start Inspire Progress Beyond the Classroom Teaching Personnel is recruiting a skilled and enthusiastic SEN Teacher for a specialist provisi
Reference
HK990
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£550 - 750 per week
Location free text
Poole
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
KS2 - Year 4
Location
Poole
Description
Year 4 Primary Teacher Full-Time | Poole | September 2026 Start Teaching PersonnelTeaching Personnel is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Year 4 Primary Teacher to work within a welcoming and sup
Reference
EW-5
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset PrimaryAuthor
Dorset PrimarySalary
£160 - 220 per day
Location free text
Thurmaston
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Leicestershire
Description
Year 3 Teacher (Part-Time) – ThurmastonTeaching Personnel is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Year 3 Teacher to join a welcoming primary school in Thurmaston from August 2026.This is a part-time p
Reference
Teach thurm
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Leicester BranchAuthor
Leicester BranchSalary
£120 - 140 per day
Location free text
Plymouth
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Plymouth
Description
Primary Early Career Teacher (ECT) - Flexible Teaching Opportunities Location: Plymouth & Surrounding Areas Company: Teaching Personnel Salary: Competitive Daily Rates Job Type: Flexible / SupplyAre
Reference
ECT Supply Tch
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Plymouth BranchAuthor
Plymouth BranchSalary
£20 - 29 per hour
Location free text
Peterborough
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Peterborough
Description
Job Title: 1:1 Tutor (Home & School-Based) Location: Peterborough and surrounding areas Hours: During school hours (term time only) Contract: Flexible / Part-time About the RoleWe are seeking an exper
Reference
S334/Peterborough
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Central TuitionAuthor
Central TuitionSalary
£160 - 190 per day
Location free text
Leicester
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
KS2 - Year 6
Location
Leicester
Description
Year 6 Teacher – Full Time Location: Leicester Start Date: August 2026 / New Academic Year Contract: Full Time, Long-Term/Permanent Opportunity Salary: MPS/UPS (dependent on experience)We are seeking
Reference
CTKY6
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Leicester BranchAuthor
Leicester BranchSalary
£130 - 190 per day
Location free text
Hull
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
KS1 - Year 2
Location
Hull
Description
Primary School TeacherTeaching Personnel is looking to appoint an experienced full-time KS1 teacher to join our Hull Primary Schools. We are looking for full-time and part-time teachers, both fully qu
Reference
KS1 Teacher Hull
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 work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job