Counting Teeth
Level 2 strengthens application and explanation. 'Counting Teeth' deepens understanding of health responsibility.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Health, Safety and Hygiene
- Learning area: Numeracy
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Explain safety/hygiene reasoning
- Apply concept independently
- Collaborate during activity
Instructions
Materials
- Large plastic dental models with visible teeth.
- Small hand mirrors for each child.
- Dry erase boards and markers.
- Laminated cards featuring numbers 1 to 20.
- Dental floss or yarn for tactile counting.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate one-to-one correspondence by touching each tooth while counting.
- Recognise and identify written numerals corresponding to the count.
- Practise oral hygiene awareness through the context of counting.
- Record numerical data on a personal dry erase board.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather the children in a circle and introduce the dental model to demonstrate how to count teeth systematically.
2. Model the counting process by pointing to each tooth on the model and counting aloud slowly.
3. Distribute hand mirrors and ask children to gently count their own teeth by touching them with a clean finger.
4. Encourage children to count their teeth in pairs, with one child acting as the counter and the other as the listener.
5. Ask children to write the total number of teeth they counted on their individual dry erase boards.
6. Display the laminated number cards and have children match their written number to the correct card.
7. Facilitate a group discussion about why we have different numbers of teeth and the importance of brushing them all.
8. Transition to a practical application by having children practise the counting motion on the plastic models once more to reinforce the sequence.
Educator Tip
Some children may find counting their own teeth difficult due to the limited space in their mouths. If a child becomes frustrated, have them focus on counting the teeth on the plastic model first to build confidence before returning to their own reflection.
Assessment
- Observe if the child touches one tooth for every number spoken to confirm one-to-one correspondence.
- Verify the child can correctly identify and write the numeral representing their count.
- Note if the child can explain why counting teeth relates to keeping them clean.
Educator tip
Require complete thoughts (sentence frames); rotate roles in pairs; photograph work for portfolios.
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 reasoning, independence, collaboration.