Additionally, it can help both children and parents fall asleep faster. Trust me, this works!
Part 1: Why is Counting Backwards Important for Maths?
Many children struggle with counting in reverse because it’s a higher-level cognitive skill than counting forward. However, practicing it strengthens their understanding of number relationships, making addition, subtraction, and problem-solving easier. Here are two fun methods to help!
Counting Backwards While Walking
This method adds movement, making learning more engaging and interactive.
🔹 Find a large space—a hallway, pavement, garden, or shopping centre.
🔹 Ask your child to count forward from 1 to 10 while walking forward.
🔹 Then, have them walk backwards while counting backwards: 10, 9, 8, 7…
🔹 If they find it easy, increase the challenge:
- Start at 30, count forward to 40, then walk backwards and count down from 40 to 30.
- Pick different starting points each time to build flexibility in their thinking.
Using a Calculator to Count Backwards
This method reinforces number sequencing and helps children become more confident with numbers.
🔹 Enter a number on the calculator, such as 50.
🔹 Have your child manually enter each number in reverse order: 49, 48, 47, 46…
🔹 Encourage them to say the numbers aloud as they type—it helps with recall and understanding.
🔹 Use different starting numbers to keep it fresh and challenging.
Practicing counting backwards regularly improves maths confidence and helps children understand patterns in numbers. But there’s another surprising benefit…
Part 2: How Counting Backwards Helps Kids Fall Asleep Faster
Counting backwards isn’t just a great learning tool—it’s also a powerful sleep aid. Why? Because it requires concentration, which distracts the mind from overthinking and induces relaxation.
How to Use Counting Backwards for Sleep
💤 Instead of counting forward (1, 2, 3…), have your child count backwards from 100.
💤 The extra focus required tires the brain and naturally slows it down for sleep.
💤 If 100 is too high, start from 50 or even 30.
The Whiteboard Visualisation Trick
For kids (or adults!) who need extra help falling asleep, try this simple mental exercise:
1️⃣ Imagine four whiteboards with the word FOCUS written on each one.
2️⃣ Picture yourself erasing the word “FOCUS” from each board, one by one.
3️⃣ Now, go back to the first board and start writing “SLEEP” in tiny letters, filling the whole board.
4️⃣ Repeat with all four boards.
Most people fall asleep before they finish the first board! If not, erase them and start again.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re helping a child improve their maths skills or looking for a bedtime trick that actually works, counting backwards is a simple yet powerful tool.
Give these methods a try and let us know how they work for you! 😊