Counting: 5,4,3,2,1

Music is a great way to help children develop mathematical concepts.  I even did research for my teaching degree dissertation on this: ‘An investigation into how music can help children’s learning in maths, especially in the concept area of pattern’

How can music help with counting backwards?

Songs and rhymes are brilliant at facilitating counting backwards and there are many to choose from.  Below I have listed those that I use:

• 5 little ducks
• 5 little men
• 10 in the bed
• 10 sausages
• 5 little monkeys swinging in a tree
• 5 cheeky monkeys jumping on the bed
• 5 little kites
• 5 little shells
• 5 green shamrocks
• 5 little snowmen
• 5 little ghosts/witches
• Zoom, Zoom, Zoom we’re going to the moon

If you don’t know some of those listed above, they are or will be included soon in the updated Activity Ideas for ~2 to 5 years on Early Years Music Ideas.

You can also start on a different number to count back and/or adapt the lyrics to fit in with the children’s interests or a particular topic.   I did this to create a song for pancake day; you can see the video with the tune below.  Here are the words:

5 little pancakes tossing in a pan

1 fell out and landed on Gran/Nan! …. Dan…  (could do names that rhyme with pan)

Gran/Nan began to laugh then she sang

No more pancakes tossing in a pan!

The blog that I mention, in case it is of interest to you, is: https://musicalabc.simplero.com/blog/2953-5-little-ducks-can-become 

Have you changed any counting backwards songs?  Can you think of any that I haven’t thought about?  If so, I’d love to hear; please put them in the comments section below, thank you.

Happy music making!