Enhancing Math Skills Through Finger Counting

A recent study from the University of Lausanne has revealed the significant benefits of finger counting for kindergarten children. Conducted with 328 five- and six-year-olds in France and Switzerland, the research shows that this method can enhance mathematical performance in over 75% of participants.

Lead author Catherine Thevenot emphasizes the importance of teaching finger counting in classrooms, as it fosters higher levels of abstraction in young learners. The study indicated that children who initially struggled with math improved dramatically, with correct responses increasing from 37% to 77% after a two-week training period.

Although promising, further investigation is necessary to determine if such techniques lead to a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts or merely serve as a procedural aid. The findings highlight the potential of finger counting as a tool to bridge math inequity among young learners.