Counting Teeth
Level 3 promotes critical thinking and personal responsibility. 'Counting Teeth' strengthens reasoning about health and safety decisions.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Health, Safety and Hygiene
- Learning area: Numeracy
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Analyse health decisions
- Justify reasoning
- Extend with writing or data tracking
Instructions
Materials
- Large dental health posters or diagrams showing human teeth.
- Small unbreakable mirrors for each child.
- Sets of plastic teeth models or dental anatomy kits.
- Number cards ranging from 1 to 32.
- Dry erase boards and markers.
- Printed tally sheets with a column for student names.
Learning Objectives
- Identify and count individual teeth using a mirror.
- Match a specific quantity of teeth to the corresponding written numeral.
- Demonstrate one to one correspondence while counting.
- Record numerical data accurately on a tally sheet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather students in a circle and display the dental diagram to discuss the importance of healthy teeth.
2. Distribute individual mirrors and ask students to gently open their mouths to observe their own teeth.
3. Model how to touch the tongue to the teeth to count them slowly, moving from one side to the other.
4. Pair students up and have them take turns counting their partner's teeth using the plastic models as a guide.
5. Provide each student with a tally sheet to record the number of teeth they count on their partner.
6. Ask students to select the number card that matches their final count.
7. Facilitate a group discussion about why different children might have different numbers of teeth, such as losing baby teeth.
8. Have students write their final count on their individual dry erase boards to practise numeral formation.
Educator Tip
To differentiate for students who struggle with high numbers, allow them to count only the front teeth or the teeth in one quadrant of the mouth. This reduces frustration while still reinforcing the core concept of one to one correspondence.
Assessment
- Observe if the child touches each tooth individually while counting to ensure accurate one to one correspondence.
- Verify if the child correctly identifies the numeral that represents their total count.
- Note the child's ability to record the data accurately on their tally sheet.
Educator tip
Use simple rubric; insist on justification; allow multiple correct solutions; support with exemplars/word banks.
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. Rubric: reasoning, clarity, independence.