Supporting young children to build confidence with early number skills

Many children with Down syndrome find number tricky – many early number skills rely on language, memory, motor skills and understanding abstract ideas which are all areas that can be more difficult for children with Down syndrome. This blog brings together practical, visual and play‑based strategies from our Early Years Development Programme to help you nurture early number learning with confidence. 

Why early numeracy can feel tricky 

Children with Down syndrome often find rote counting – remembering and saying the count sequence in order, and one‑to‑one correspondence – moving or touching one item for each number said, a hard skill to master. These skills are the foundation for later number understanding, and because they can be harder, it’s helpful to lean into the children’s strengths, especially their strong visual learning skills, and use repetition, structure and clear strategies. 

Here are some practical strategies you can use every day. 

Use visual supports wherever possible 

Visuals reduce the load on working memory and help to understand and remember the spoken word. Try using: 

• Large, clear number lines for all counting activities 
• Numeral cards for matching, selecting and ordering 
• Number mats or hopscotch paths to walk over in sequence 
• Numicon shapes to support early value and numeral recognition 

Due to their visual strengths, children with Down syndrome often recognise numerals before they understand their value, so using practical and clear visual supports can help to make those connections. 

Bring counting into everyday routines 

Repetition is key. Short, frequent counting moments help children hear and practise the number sequence. You might count: 

• How many children are sitting at the table or lining up 
• How many plates or cups you need at snack or lunch time 
• Steps/jumps/hops as you walk 
• Bricks as you build towers 
• Pens as you tidy up 

You can also use simple ‘one, two, three, go’ games to build anticipation and familiarity with the count sequence. 

Make one‑to‑one counting easier 

Think about the physical demands of counting activities and reduce extra challenges by: 

• Choosing large, easy‑to‑grasp counters 
• Avoiding items that roll or tip easily 
• Using contrasting colours (e.g., avoid blue counters on a blue table that might be difficult to see) 
• Placing items in a straight line to support accuracy 
• Counting into a container can be motivating! 

If a child loses their place, counting objects onto a number line helps them see where they were without relying on memory. 

Use number songs with real objects 

Songs like ‘Five Little Ducks’ or ‘Five Speckled Frogs’ are ideal for practising counting and early value. You can try: 

• Laying out five rubber ducks on a number line 
• Counting them before and after each verse 
• Pausing the song to check ‘How many now?’ 
• Encouraging children to show the number on their fingers (with support if needed) 

This repetition helps children link the spoken number, the numeral and the quantity. 

Build early number vocabulary 

Understanding vocabulary like ‘more/less’, ‘big/small, ‘lots/some’ is important for understanding number and for later numeracy skills. Use activities such as: 

• Sorting by size, colour or shape 
• Matching different objects, colours, shapes 
• Naming items in personal or number topic books 
• Keeping the object the same when learning new vocabulary (e.g., size) A big bus and a little bus when comparing different sizes rather than a big bus and a little teddy 

Clear, consistent language helps children understand what each word means. 

Keep tasks achievable and enjoyable 

Short, structured activities work best, such as: 

• Starting with numbers one to three. 
• Celebrating small steps. 
• Repeating activities often – keeping them fun and motivating. 
• Keeping instructions simple and consistent. 

It is important to remember children learn best when they feel successful, supported and engaged. 

Bringing it all together 

Early numeracy doesn’t need to be complicated. With visual supports, repetition and playful routines, you can help young children with Down syndrome to build strong foundations for number learning. Every counting moment, whether it’s steps, cups or ducks, can help strengthen understanding and confidence. 

Get more resources and support  

For further information and downloadable resources for your setting, sign up to our Early Years Development Programme. You will also get ongoing support from our education experts.