Counting, in addition to reciting, should be emphasized in
early childhood education to establish foundation for future academic success
Along with reciting the days of the week and the alphabet,
adults often practice reciting numbers with young children. Now, new research
from the University of Missouri suggests reciting numbers is not enough to
prepare children for math success in elementary school. The research indicates
that counting, which requires assigning numerical values to objects in
chronological order, is more important for helping preschoolers acquire math
skills.