Which tool would be most effective for teaching a young child who is blind how to count?

The most effective tool for teaching a young child who is blind how to count is the abacus. This tool is specifically designed to facilitate counting and mathematical operations through tactile experiences. The abacus consists of beads that can be easily moved by hand along rods, making it a highly interactive and sensory way to learn numbers and counting concepts.

For a child who is blind, the tactile nature of the abacus allows them to physically manipulate the beads, helping reinforce their understanding of numbers, quantity, and arithmetic processes. This hands-on approach is particularly beneficial in developing spatial awareness and the concept of one-to-one correspondence, which are foundational skills in counting.

While small wooden blocks can also be used for counting activities, they may not provide the structured format that an abacus offers for consistent counting practice. Counting songs, although beneficial for auditory learning and rhythm, do not offer the same tactile engagement needed for numeracy skills development. Playing cards typically rely on visual recognition of numbers, making them less effective for a child who cannot see them. Therefore, the abacus stands out as the most appropriate choice for facilitating counting in a meaningful way for a blind child.