There are all sorts of interesting things to count in a child’s world. Be imaginative! Use things from nature. Use toys. Use counters. Use 1p coins. Here are some things to practise and some questions to use. You may think of others. Key language to emphasise is in bold.
Skill: Count items in a row forwards/ backwards (up to at least 20)
Questions: How many are there altogether in the row?
Skill: Count out a requested number give an amount of items from a pile (up to at least 20)
Questions: Can you give me (eg 5) from the pile?
Skill: Count items in 2 rows (up to at least 10/20)
Questions: How many are there in the top row? How many are there in the bottom row? How many are there altogether in both rows? Could we count them in twos instead of ones? Shall I do it first? Can you count with me, now?
Understanding: Understand the benefits of counting in 1s, in 2s and in larger groups
Questions: What would happen if we count in ones? How many will there be? What would happen if we count in twos? How many will there be now? Do we get the same answer? Which way of counting is quicker?
Skill: Identify removed items (up to at least 10)
Questions: How many are there? What will happen if I take some away without you looking? How many are there now? How many have I taken away?
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