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Activity 2: Everybody Counts

Children learn that there is a relationship between a number name and a quantity as they use math in their everyday lives. As children learn that nearly everything they do involves math, they may gain more confidence in their own ability to use it.

Numbers & Shapes: Activity 2

Benefits for Your Child:

• Creates groups of up to five objects
• Learns that the last number counted tells “how many”
• Learns to match quantities
• Identifies which of two sets has more or less
• Learns to order quantities

Children learn that there is a relationship between a number name and a quantity as they use math in their everyday lives. As children learn that nearly everything they do involves math, they may gain more confidence in their own ability to use it.

Kindergarten Connection

In kindergarten, children will be counting groups up to ten. They will also be comparing two groups of objects to determine which groups have the same, fewer, or more.

Activity: More or Less

Use pieces of paper or index cards to have your child create “matching cards.” There should be two cards with one item glued on each, two cards with two items glued on each, two cards with three items glued on each, two cards with four items glued on each, and two cards with five items glued on each. Once the cards are created, ask your child to:

• Tell how many items are on a card.
• Choose a card and find one that has more.
• Choose a card and find one that has fewer.
• Match cards with the same number of items.
• Put the cards in order from more to fewer and from fewer to more.

More Ideas:

• Have your child count how many plates are on the table to find out how many forks are needed.
• Have your child share a snack so that everyone has the same amount.

Tips:

• If your child cannot correctly count the number of items needed for a card, help by drawing dots on the card and having him/her glue one item on each dot.
• If your child can create and match the cards, gradually increase the numbers on the cards.
• If your child recognizes numbers, write the number on the card and have him/her put the correct number of items on the card.

Activity Card

Download Printable Activity Card

Video