Chinese Counting & Matching
Level 2 deepens inquiry and comparative thinking. 'Chinese Counting & Matching' promotes appreciation of diversity and global citizenship.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Around the World
- Learning area: Numeracy
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Explain cultural features
- Record findings
- Collaborate in group tasks
Instructions
Materials
- Printed cards featuring Chinese characters for numbers one through five.
- Sets of plastic red lanterns or red paper circles for counting.
- Small bowls or baskets for sorting.
- Laminated number mats with numerals and corresponding dots.
- A visual chart displaying Chinese characters alongside English numerals.
Learning Objectives
- Recognise and identify Chinese characters for the numbers one through five.
- Demonstrate one-to-one correspondence by counting objects up to five.
- Match a specific quantity of objects to the correct Chinese character card.
- Practise correct pronunciation of Chinese number words through teacher-led repetition.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather students in a circle and display the visual chart showing the numbers one to five in both English and Chinese.
2. Lead the group in chanting the numbers in Chinese while pointing to each character on the chart.
3. Demonstrate how to count the red lanterns aloud in Chinese, placing one lantern into a bowl for each number spoken.
4. Distribute a set of five lanterns and a set of character cards to each student at their tables.
5. Ask students to place the character card for number one on their desk and set exactly one lantern next to it.
6. Guide students to repeat this process for numbers two through five, ensuring they count aloud in Chinese as they place each item.
7. Circulate the room to provide support, correcting the placement of lanterns if the quantity does not match the character.
8. Encourage students to mix up their cards and attempt to match the correct quantity of lanterns to the characters independently.
9. Conclude the activity by having the group count all lanterns together in Chinese one final time.
Educator Tip
If students struggle with character recognition, focus on the visual shape of the characters rather than the abstract meaning. You can extend this activity for advanced learners by introducing the character for zero or challenging them to arrange the characters in reverse order.
Assessment
- Observe if the child correctly matches the quantity of objects to the corresponding Chinese character.
- Listen for the child correctly verbalizing the Chinese number words during the counting process.
- Note the child's ability to maintain one-to-one correspondence while counting to five.
Assessment
Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Observe explanation quality, cooperation, accuracy.