From the first moment I changed my son’s diaper I’ve been counting to him. I know… I know… I should be reading to him but I’ve been counting to him because throughout my life I’ve found numbers to be an important thing to know. From my work as a spreadsheet guru for banks, roleplaying games, data manipulation, data processing and analysis I’ve found that numbers are important. So… if you’re sitting in a math class thinking “why am I learning this?” you should really think about learning it anyway. This comes from a guy who has worked as a caddy, a shoe salesman, an adminstrative intern, a banker, a teacher and a student. In every one of these situations my ability to use, manipulate and analyze numbers has made me valuable and productive.
My son can’t count though, can he? I mean, he’s still getting some basic motor functions down like sitting up, grabbing objects, and clapping. Why oh why would you count to him? Well, the number three has magical properties. When you count “One… Two… Three” and then do something on “Three” you are teaching a basic understanding of numbers. Two comes after One. Three comes after Two. Something happens on or after Three. I’ve employed this in a number of areas and my son is now adept at knowing what is happening even if I just say “One.” He knows what comes next. He knows how many. He knows. “One… Two… Three” and I throw him up into the air. He’s already smiling after One… laughing after Two… and preparing to fly right before Three. it is an unspoken communication but it means something to him. Hopefully, one day, he’ll enjoy numbers. I’m not saying I’d really want him to be an accountant (what would we talk about?) but numbers are important and I’m happy to have taught him that from the beginning.