Counting
Counting means saying one number for each thing in a group, in order, to find out how many there are. The last number you say is the total.
Maths · Ages 4–5 · 30 minutes
Counting objects to 10
Children count up to 10 objects accurately by touching or moving each one once and know that the last number they say tells them how many there are.
Success criteria
- I can touch each thing once
- I can say one number for each thing
- I know the last number is how many
Key vocabulary
- count
- how many
- one more
- total
- same
You will need
- counters or small toys
- egg boxes or ten frames
- a soft toy puppet
- number cards 1–10
Curriculum links
- Reception· England
- Pre-K· United States
- Common Core K.CC.B.4: Connect counting with quantity: say one number name for each object, and know the last number said tells how many.
- Common Core K.CC.B.5: Count objects to answer "how many?" for up to 20 things in a line, array or circle, or up to 10 scattered.
- England NC Y1.MA.NPV.4: Identify and represent numbers with objects and pictures, and use the language equal to, more than, less than, most and least.
Practice sheets
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Let’s count!
Let’s count!
Let’s count!
Ten frames: count
1.Starter
5 minutesSit in a circle with a puppet. The puppet counts six blocks out loud but says "one, two, three, five, six, seven". Stop and look puzzled. "Hmm. Did Puppet count properly? What went wrong?" Let children explain, then count the blocks together, touching each one.
Finish with a quick clap-and-count: clap 4 times, children hold up 4 fingers. Repeat with 7 and 9.
2.Teach
10 minutesPut eight counters in a messy pile on a tray where everyone can see.
"When I count, I need a plan. I take one counter and move it to this side. I say one number for each counter I move. Watch my hand and my mouth go together."
Step by step
- Move itSlide each object across a line as you count it, so nothing gets counted twice.
- One number, one objectSay the number as your finger lands, not before.
- Stop and tellThe last number you say is how many. "Eight. There are eight counters."
Now count the same eight counters in a line. "Do I have more now? Let's check." Count again: still eight. "Moving them didn't change how many."
Do one more with objects children can't move, like apples printed on a page: "When I can't move them, I touch each one and cross it off in my head, starting at the top."
apple
star
ball
fish
