This begins a group of lessons that use singing with dances to kinesthetically teach basic math skills. The songs, when danced, help instill in the student the 'meaning' of counting, addition, subtraction and sets. The lessons make the job of explaining about early math skills more concrete.

My theory is that it is easiest to learn when more of the senses are used than just hearing or seeing; that feeling the body move in space dynamically uses more of the senses, and with spirited energy applied it is kinesthetic education.

Rhythmic bodily movement uses both sides of the brain as the right brain mostly controls the actions of the left side of the body and the left brain mostly controls actions on the right side of the body. Music and movement use both sides of the brain in coordination.

Body to mind using the senses
Mind to body for action.

The dancing and songs can be adapted for those challenged.

If the student cannot dance, substitute hand clapping or have a partner help them clap hands.

About the music and songs

The melodies to the songs use the middle octave of the piano.

Middle C begins the sequence of do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do.

To recall the sounds of the notes in teaching the melodies think of the melody to the song 'Doe - A Deer, A Female Deer' from "The Sound of Music" by Rogers and Hammerstein.

Sing and dance with spirited energy to instill the full effect.

Each bar of music has 4 counts and represents one line of the text written in the verse below it.

Note: The bars of music have been kept in 4/4 time to emphasize the math skills, even though skipping is usually done to 6/8 time.

Repeat the song and dance as many times as desired.

Clapping each count would be clapping each syllable of the numbers and most of the words, making these practice for a language lesson, also.

Lessons
Introduction and Guidelines
Counting
Addition
Sets
Subtraction
Sets with Arm Swinging
Sets with Skipping
Sets with Marching
Sets with Galloping

Article by Susan Kramer