Learning to Count
Aims
This activity is designed to:
- teach your child to count from 1 to 5 items using one-to-one correspondence
- begin to teach your child that we count to find out "how many" items we have
- begin teach your child that the last number word we say as we count items tells us how many items we have
and, later to:
- teach your child to count from 1 to 10 items using one-to-one correspondence
When to start
This activity is suitable for children who can link the correct quantities to the numerals for the numbers they will be asked to count.
For example, if your child can correctly link quantities to the numerals 1, 2 and 3, then they can start to learn to count up to 3.
Language
In this activity, we use more words than in earlier activities. Your child may not understand these words at first, but using the terms "count" and "how many" will help your child learn to understand them.
One-to-one correspondence
To count accurately a child must learn to count each object only once and not miss any. One-to-one correspondence means saying each count word for one object only and this is helped by teaching the child to point to or touch each item as they say each count word.
With a physical counter, they can move it to one side as they count it so they do not count it again. In the apps, tapped counters are coloured green to indicate that they have been counted.
Teaching in small steps
At first, practice counting, starting with 1-2 and extending the sequence when your child can complete the activity successfully.
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. Work through the steps in the activity, encouraging your child to watch. Model counting by putting your index finger on each counter as you count - for example, saying "[one], [two] - how many? - [two]".
When your child begins the activity, prompt them as needed to help them complete the task successfully.
Steadily reduce your prompts as your child progresses.
Instructions
| 1 | Present the numeral cards and counters | |
[Cards]: For this activity you need the numeral cards and the counters. Place each of the numeral cards side by side on the table, in ascending order. Place the counters to be counted below the cards. At first, start with one counter. ::: |
[Apps]: From the Main Menu screen, select Activities > Learning to Count. Then select the sequence of numerals you wish to work with. At first, start with 1-2. ::: |
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| 2 | Ask your child to count the counters Say "How many counters are there?" Point to the counter(s). Say "Can you count?" Encourage your child to count the counters by touching each one and saying each number word ("[one]-[two]..."). [Apps]: As tapped, the counters will change colour to indicate that they have been counted. The app will also say the number words as the counters are tapped. When they have counted all the counter(s), say "How many?" Encourage your child to repeat the final number as they place the last counter next to the correct numeral card. Model or prompt your child as appropriate (see above). [Apps]: Tap the correct numeral card. The card will be highlighted green to indicate the answer is correct. |
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| 3 | Place the next quantity of counters below the numeral cards Place the correct quantities of counters needed to count the next number - for example, two counters. ::: |
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| 4 | Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each remaining numeral card Work through all of the numbers in the set. At first, work through them in ascending order. As your child becomes more confident, provide fewer prompts. |
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:::Apps settings
The apps include the following settings that control how the activity is presented:
- Play spoken number words as counters tapped - when enabled, the number word for the total counted so far is played as each counter is tapped.
- Require complete count before answer - when enabled, each counter must be tapped before providing an answer.
- Request counts in any order - when enabled, the number of counters to count is chosen randomly.
- 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 counting for each sequence of numbers (Figure 7).
Figure 7 | 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 match the counters to the numerals (for example, 1-2) five times you can introduce the next numeral and practise the extended sequence (for example, 1-2-3).
When to practise with numbers in random order
When your child can correctly count quantities from 1 to 5 when requested in order, then you can practise counting quantities in any order.
Moving to the next activity
When your child can successfully count a given quantity of 5 or more, then they can start Activity 5a - Give a Number.
For example, if your child can count to 5, then they are ready to learn to give 1 or 2 items from a set of 3, up to giving 1, 2, 3 or 4 items from a set of 5.
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 count 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 using objects that differ - for example, bricks that differ in colour.
With the app, you can choose different shape or colour counters to vary the activity within the app.
