Through movement and song, students can play while engaging with the concept of a number and developing their number sense. These arithmetic verses can be used in different ways for fostering number sense as well as developing the skills for mathematical reasoning. Musical rhymes can be used as starters for students to engage with the idea of counting, and even skip counting where both skills are foundational for building mathematical reasoning as well as their understanding of later math concepts such as multiplication.
Students can sing along, step to the beat as well as clap for the beat. Any instrument the educator might be comfortable using will also promote student engagement.
Jumping is also an effective way to connect the idea of skip counting when students are ready for this concept. Music engages the whole body, and allows students to make the concept of numbers more concrete when they can physically do the counting by stepping, clapping, or jumping.
Number one
There was a family strange indeed;
Each member had a peculiar speed.
They could walk for half a day
Counting footsteps all the way.
Here they come,
Number one
Number two
But my two are not the same
For I must lean upon my cane.
Although I;m bent and weak and old
I can still count with numbers bold.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Number three
I’m a lad, light and gay
And I’d much rather play
I can run with my ball
while the numbers I call.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Number four
My step is strong
I’ll not go wrong.
With all my might
I<ll guard what’s right.
I’ll always know
How far to go.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Number five
Like a mouse I go
Fearfully tip-toe.
Looking to the left,
Looking to the right;
Watching to and fro
Danger’s not in sight.
Lightly I arrive,
I am number five.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Number six
One, two, three, four, five, six
I can do lots of tricks!
I’ve a friend–number three—
He’s a helper to me.
He has taught me to play
But I have my own way
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Mathematics Lives In Music 
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