Study finds kids counting on fingers improves their math skills

By Stephen Beech

Finger-counting is a key "stepping stone" to higher math ability for youngsters, say scientists.

Children who count on their fingers between the ages of four- and six-and-a-half years old have better addition skills by age seven than those who don’t use their fingers, according to new research.

The study, published in the journal Developmental Psychology , suggests that finger-counting - frowned on by some teachers - is an important step towards solving more complex mathematical calculations.

Study lead author Dr. Catherine Thevenot said: “Finger counting is not just a tool for immediate success in young children, but a way to support the development of advanced abstract arithmetic skills.”

Finger counting is widely used by young children as a way to solve math