What is a method to convey the notion of "zero" to a young child?

Question

I'm talking around Elementary Education age so maybe a 5 year old.

Answer 1

Count all of his toys with him and then take them all away and shout   "ZERO!"

Answer 2

two glasses...dffferent colors or sizes

one with three - five items in it...preferrably something edible

one with nothing in it...

tell the child to get one item out of the glass

then tell the child to go to the glass (that has nothing in it) and get one item out...when they say they cant...ask why...

when they tell you nothing is in there, then reinforce that zero represents an amount that is not there...there is non...

Answer 3

ALL GONE

NO MORE

There is zero left.

take 3 pieces of food he likes, then have him eat them.

Answer 4

Show them a cookie, then CHOW it, then hold up both hands and say "ZERO".

Answer 5

You don't mention age, but just beware that children are really not equipped to grasp this notion until around 4 years old. At that time you can "demonstrate" zero with almost any object by taking away one at a time until all are gone and proclaiming zero. Just beware that having it "reappear" after the exercise will diminish the lesson, as it will connect in the child's mind that anything that is "zero" can (and will) reappear. Also, make sure that whatever is "disappearing" is not something that the child will be traumatized by its disappearance (i.e, toys, etc.).

Answer 6

It is still going to be very very difficult for them to grasp the notion of nothing having a specific meaning.  I would be wary of showing them something and taking it away, as the previous poster stated that the lesson will be confusing when the object reappears.  I'm not sure why you want to convey this notion, because most Kindergarteners don't need to know this going into school and will semi-begin to grasp it towards early spring.  Hope that helps!