Here are a few suggestions you may consider in helping children learn to count and identify numbers:

1. Children must learn the sounds of the numbers one, two, three etc, first. Sing number rhymes like, One, two, three, four, five; once I caught a fish alive, aloud to them often. Soon they will begin to recognize the sounds of the numbers.

2. Read out stories from picture books and emphasize counting. For example, read aloud stories like The three little pigs and Snow-white and the seven dwarfs. Make it a point to count out the characters in the picture book. This will enable them to understand the concept that the numbers relate to specific amounts.

3. Children then need to understand how many is three, how many is four, etc. Use common objects like marbles, pencils etc. Keep them in groups to show how many is 3 or 4 and so on. In the beginning touch each object when you count. Let children start slowly first and learn to count up to 3, and then gradually one by one the number may be increased.

4. Use every opportunity to reinforce counting skills in practical situations. For example the child could count out three biscuits, two bananas etc.

5. The child needs to be able to relate the number to a symbol i.e identify the shape of the written number. For each number, bring models of the number (you can make cut-outs of the number in card-board) and pass around to all children. Try to make many so that you can give one to each child. They can build up a collection of the numbers 0 to 9.

6. Use lots of number colouring pages as most children love to colour. The colouring pages should have numbers in large sizes to colour. For each number they may also have that many number of common objects to colour.

7. Kindergarten Worksheets: Use worksheets to help children reinforce basic concepts in a fun and interesting way.

You can download some printable worksheets here: http://www.stores.lulu.com/kindergartenworksheets

For more ideas on kindergarten activities click here: http://www.hubpages.com/hub/Kindergarten-Activities-and-Worksheets

Disclaimer: The above article only represents the personal views of the author, who doesn't claim to be an expert in this field. This is in no way a substitute for professional advise. You should take advise from a qualified professional when required. The author disclaims specifically any responsibility for any action or decision taken on the basis of this article.

The author works with a publishing company that specialises in books and CDs for pre-school and kindergarten children.