Counting Signs - 6 to 10

Here are the mathsticks  Counting Signs for 6 to 10.

Most of the numbers above 5 are made by combining two of the previous signs together. . For example, 6 is made by first showing the sign for 5 and then moving this into the sign for one: 6 = 5 + 1

Note: the images here show right-hand gestures, there is no difficulty adapting the signs for left-hand gestures.

Counting Sign for 6

First, create the sign for 5.

Pause for a second...

... then move the same hand smoothly into the position for 1.

Encourage the children to say/think: 5 and 1 = 6

Counting Sign for 7

As before, begin with the sign for 5.

Pause for a second...

... then move the same hand smoothly into the position for 2.

 Encourage the children to say/think: 5 and 2 = 7

Counting Sign for 8

As before, begin with the sign for 5.

Pause for a second...

... then move the same hand smoothly into the position for 3.

 Encourage the children to say/think: 5 and 3 = 8

Counting Sign for 9

As before, begin with the sign for 5.

Pause for a second...

... then move the same hand smoothly into the position for 4.

 Encourage the children to say/think: 5 and 4 = 8 

Counting Sign for 10

Although it would be logical to create 10 by making the sign for 5 twice. 10 is such an important counting step that it has its own sign, this is simply the closed fist held just in front of the throat.

Logic for the Counting Signs 6 to 10

By combining existing signs the counting 'gestures' for 6, 7, 8 and 9 demonstrate the logic of the number system, this simplifies learning the signs and also enables chidlren to practise simple calculations. 

10 is a new sign. It is based on the same position for the sign 5.