Linking Quantity to Numerals
Aims
This activity is designed to:
- teach your child that numbers represent quantities
- teach the quantities represented by the numbers 1 to 5
- teach the links between spoken number words, numerals and different quantities
and, later to:
- teach the quantities represented by the numbers 1 to 10
When to start
This activity is suitable for children who can match, select and name the numerals they will match quantities to.
For example, if your child can match, select and name the numerals 1, 2 and 3, then they can start learning to link quantities to the numerals 1, 2 and 3.
Teaching in small steps
At first, practice linking quantity to numerals, starting with 1-2 and extending the sequence when your child can complete the activity successfully.
When your child can successfully link quantities to the numerals 1-5 presented in order, you can practice linking quantities in any order.
Work through each activity in See and Learn First Counting with the numbers 1 to 5 first, then repeat each activity with the numbers 1 to 10 later (see guidance in Using See and Learn First Counting).
Modelling and prompting
At first, model the activity. Demonstrate the steps in the activity, encouraging your child to watch and listen.
When your child begins the activity, prompt them as needed to help them complete the task successfully.
Steadily reduce your prompts as your child learns the activity.
Instructions
| 1 | Show your child the numeral + quantity cards | |
[Cards]: For this activity you need the numeral + quantity cards. These are the cards showing both numerals and placeholders for counters. Position each of the numeral + quantity cards side by side on the table in order, starting with 1. Below the cards, lay out the number of counters needed to match the quantities on the cards. For example, for 1 and 2, provide 3 counters. ::: |
[Apps]: From the Main Menu screen, select Activities > Linking Quantity to Numerals. Then select the sequence of numbers you wish to work with. The app will display the selected cards on the screen and counters below the cards. ::: |
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| 2 | Encourage your child to look at each card Point to each numeral and say the number word in order - for example, "[one]... [two]" |
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| 3 | Ask your child to count the counters on the first card Point to the counter(s) on the first numeral + quantity card. Say "put [one] with [one]". At first, prompt your child. Place the correct number of counters on or below the card. [Apps]: Your child can drag each counter over the quantity + numeral card or simply tap the quantity + numeral card to move a counter. |
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| 4 | Ask your child to count the counters on the next card Point to the counters on the next numeral + quantity card. Say "put [two] with [two]". If needed, prompt your child. Place the correct number of counters on or below the card. [Apps]: Your child can drag each counter over the quantity + numeral card or simply tap the quantity + numeral card to move a counter. |
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| 5 | Repeat for each card in the set Repeat step 4 for each card in the set. |
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:::Apps settings
The apps include the following settings that control how the activity is presented:
- Allow linking quantities to numerals in any order - when enabled, quantities can be linked with numerals in any order (though once started a quantity must be completed before moving on).
- Show counter prompts - when enabled, outline placeholders are provided for the correct number of counters on each numeral + quantity card. We suggest starting with this on while you child learns the activity, then turning off.
- Counter type - selects the counter shape to use.
- Counter colour - selects the counter colour to use.
- Enable applause - enables/disables playing applause at the end of the activity.
Recording progress
You can record your child's progress using the Linking Quantity to Numerals and Learning to Count record.
Enter the dates your child first starts to learn and first succeeds at linking quantities to numerals for each sequence of numerals (Figure 6).
Figure 6 | Example Linking Quantity to Numerals and Learning to Count record
Progressing through the numbers
When to introduce the next number
When your child can correctly link the correct number of counters to each numeral (for example, 1-2) three times you can introduce the next numeral and practise the extended sequence (for example, 1-2-3).
When to practise without counter prompts
When your child can correctly link the correct number of counters to each of the numerals in a sequence, you can then practise without the counter prompts. A setting is available in the apps to turn these off and on. With the printed editions, use the plain numeral cards.
When to practise with numbers in random order
When your child can correctly link the correct number of counters to each of the numerals 1 to 5 when requested in order, then you can practise linking quantity to numerals in any order.
Moving to the next activity
When your child can successfully link quantities to numerals, they can move on to counting those quantities.
For example, if your child can link quantities to the numerals 1, 2 and 3, then they can start learning to count up to 3.
Opportunities for additional practice and generalisation
It is important that your child learns that they can count any items - not just the counters they first learn to count with.
When your child can correctly link quantities to numerals 1 to 5 with the black counters, you can introduce other items to count so that your child can begin to learn that we can count many things.
With the printed edition, you can use the cookie or banana cards as alternative counters. You may also find other sets of items from around the house or classroom. To start with, use identical items. When your child can count these, you can start using objects that differ - for example, coloured bricks.
With the app, you can choose different shape or colour counters to vary the activity within the app.
