Counting Strategy Teaching Song

 Text: Toril Karstad, idea: Andreas Hansen

Melody: Rudolph the red nosed reindeer

The strategies mentioned in this song, are explained in details in Chapter 9: “Teaching Early Mathematics” in Hansen & Morgan’s (2019): Intelligent and Effective learning based on the model for Systematic Concept Teaching. Practitioner’s Manual for the Systematic Concept Teaching (SCT) Approach to the prevention and remediation of learning Difficulties.www.sctresourse.com. These were well known strategies that Hansen put together in a logical order of five steps, in order to facilitate the acquisition of counting skills in students who struggled with this kind of learning.

I.

This is a song for teachers. It’s about a way to teach

counting and number concepts – systematic steps to reach.

Doctor Andreas Hansen formulated every stage,

five phases of instructing counting at an early age.

Pupils will manipulate objects as they count.

They will learn to concentrate and report the right amount.

And by observing children, teachers know when to proceed

up to a higher level. They will know each pupil’s need.

II. 

Let’s take a closer look at Hansen’s keys from start to end!

Counting by moving items is the very first, my friend.

Children are moving objects into group rings with a smack,

and at the same time counting. This creates a mental track.

One-to-one-connections between the act and word,

that’s what children need to build; you’ll know when it has occurred.  

‘Cause from this very moment, children’s counting is exact.

Counting by moving items links each number to an act.

III.
Counting by touching items, this is level number two.

“Count at the very moment that you touch is what you’ll do.”

“Yes, teacher, one, two, three, the number of the blocks is three.”

“That is correct! Your counting has improved, as we can see!”

Kids with counting problems may need these strategies,

so the concepts can be grasped. Use these acts as mental keys!

And when the child is ready, move to level number three:

“Count while you point at items! Point your finger! Let me see!”

IV. 

Say to the child: “You’re clever! All your pointing was correct!

Just one more step before you only use your intellect:

Count while you nod, like grownups counting multitudes of lights!

This gives controlled attention. Nod and count the children’s kites!”

Doctor Hansen’s final step just includes the eyes:

“Look at items as you count in your head. That’s very nice!“

“Now that you’ve mastered counting, soon you’ll measure length and weight,

and you may handle money. It is time to celebrate!“