Counting Teeth
Toddlers internalize routines through repetition and movement. 'Counting Teeth' supports emerging independence and safety awareness.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Health, Safety and Hygiene
- Learning area: Numeracy
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Identify body parts
- Imitate hygiene routines
- Follow 1-step safety directions
Instructions
Materials
- Large plastic model of teeth or a clean, oversized dental puppet.
- Unbreakable child-safe mirrors.
- Large, colorful counting cards with numbers 1 to 5.
- A soft toothbrush for demonstration.
- A basket for organising materials.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate interest in oral hygiene tools through tactile exploration.
- Imitate the teacher while pointing to teeth in a mirror.
- Practise one-to-one correspondence by touching teeth while counting aloud.
- Recognise the connection between the number symbol and the physical object.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather toddlers in a small circle on the floor to ensure close supervision.
2. Introduce the dental puppet and allow each child to touch the large teeth to build familiarity.
3. Distribute the child-safe mirrors and encourage the toddlers to look at their own reflections.
4. Model the action by pointing to your own teeth and counting slowly out loud from one to five.
5. Ask the children to open their mouths wide and point to their own teeth while you count together.
6. Hold up a counting card and name the number clearly while pointing to the corresponding number of teeth on the puppet.
7. Use the soft toothbrush to gently touch the puppet teeth as you count to reinforce the hygiene theme.
8. Encourage the children to repeat the numbers after you as you touch their teeth or the puppet teeth.
9. Keep the session brief, lasting no more than ten minutes, to maintain engagement.
10. Transition to a hand-washing or tooth-brushing routine to connect the activity to daily life.
Educator Tip
Toddlers learn best through repetition and physical movement. If a child becomes restless, focus on the sensory experience of the mirror or the texture of the puppet rather than forcing the counting sequence. You can differentiate by counting only to three for younger toddlers while extending to five for those ready for more complexity.
Assessment
- Observe if the child attempts to point to their teeth when prompted.
- Note if the child mimics the counting rhythm or vocalizes numbers during the activity.
- Record whether the child shows sustained attention to the mirror or the puppet model.
Educator tip
Use choice questions; keep groups small; accept approximations; keep transitions fast.
Assessment
Observe and note: emerging independence, two-word combinations, imitation of actions, and early pretend play. Use Development Matters non-statutory guidance checkpoints. Observe imitation, participation, simple labelling.