Does your kid know your phone number in case of an emergency? Learning a phone number by heart might seem like an outdated concept in this day and age — but if your kid is ever lost, needs help, or doesn’t have access to their device for any reason, they should know at least one 10-digit phone number — yours.
You can start teaching this around age 4 or 5, and continue reviewing it (and/or adding other phone numbers) when they’re older too. Here are some ways to make it fun and help it stick in their brain. Mix and match these strategies to make it work for your family!
Turn the phone number into a song
Turning the phone number into a song can help it stick in kids’ memory. In the YouTube video below, The Cheeky Homemaker suggests using the tune of “Frère Jacques” — or you can make up your own catchy jingle (think: Empire or Kars4Kids). Adding a phrase like “green means go” reminds them to press the call button after.
Gamify the order of numbers
If you can turn the number memorization task into a game, it’s way more fun for kids and for you! Here’s one way to do it:
- Make 10 numbered cards with the digits of your phone number (or select cards from any card game).
- Challenge them to put the numbers into the correct order.
- Once they’ve got it down, add a timer to see if they can remember it even faster. They’ll want to try over and over again!
Practice dialing to promote muscle memory
Next, your child can practice dialing the phone number — this will help them remember it through bodily motions instead of just intellectually. Here are some ways kids can practice dialing:
- Use a toy with numbers, an old phone with buttons, or a disconnected computer keyboard.
- Make your own dial pad out of paper or with sidewalk chalk. Making a large version can make the task more fun for active kids.
Add a green call button to press so you can teach them how to actually place the phone call in a real-life situation.
Also see our tips on how to teach your child to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
