Teach counting

1. 1

   Give one to each

   A good place to start when

   Your child likes handing out objects or joining in at snack time.

   Try it together

   Put two toy animals on a table and give your child two large blocks. Say ‘One for each animal’. Add a third animal when the first two are easy.

   Try the next step when

   Your child gives each toy one block without needing you to show who still needs one.

   Read the illustrated guide →Next step →
2. 2

   Say one number for each object

   A good place to start when

   Your child can hand out one object to each toy and enjoys hearing number words.

   Try it together

   Line up three blocks. Move one block at a time while saying ‘one, two, three’. Let your child move the blocks while you say the numbers, then swap roles if they like.

   Try the next step when

   Your child touches or moves each block once while counting a small group.

   Read the illustrated guide →Next step →
3. 3

   Find out how many altogether

   A good place to start when

   Your child can count a small group by touching each item once.

   Try it together

   Count three spoons together. After the last number, say ‘Three spoons altogether’. Next time ask ‘How many altogether?’ Wait, and count together again if it helps.

   Look for this in everyday play

   After counting, your child begins using the last number to tell you how many things are in the group.

   Read the illustrated guide →

More about learning through everyday play ↗