1,2,3 GO!: One-to-One Counting Cards + Quantity Language

Infants build foundations through repetition and sensory exploration.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

Large, sturdy flashcards with large numeral '1', '2', and '3' printed clearly on one side

Corresponding sets of simple, engaging images on the reverse of each card: one picture for '1', two pictures for '2', and three pictures for '3' (e.g., one teddy bear, two rattles, three stacking rings)

Soft blanket or mat for infants to sit on

Familiar soft toys or household objects that represent family members (e.g., a soft doll representing a sibling, a small toy car representing a parent's vehicle)

A gentle, rhythmic song or rhyme about family

Learning Objectives

Infants will engage with numeral and quantity representations.

Infants will participate in simple counting chants and music relating to family.

Infants will explore tactile and visual stimuli related to numbers and family objects.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Lay the soft blanket or mat on the floor. Sit comfortably with the infants.

2. Introduce the '1' card, showing the numeral '1' and saying clearly, "One. One baby!" or "One little bear!"

3. Turn the card to show the single image. "Look, one bear! Just like your one favourite teddy bear at home."

4. Gently offer the '1' card for the infant to touch or bat at.

5. Introduce the '2' card, saying, "Two. Two hands!" or "Two little eyes!" Show the two images. "Two hands to clap like Mommy and Daddy clap for you!"

6. Introduce the '3' card, saying, "Three. Three cheers!" or "Three little toes!" Show the three images. "Three toes that kick when you're happy like when your brother or sister tickles you."

7. Sing a simple family song, like "My family has three members and they love me!" (or adapt to the number of pictures shown). Point to the corresponding number card as you sing.

8. You can also place the soft family-related objects near the infants, saying "One car, two blocks, three dolls!"

Educator Tip

Ensure all materials are safe and clean for infants to mouth or touch. Keep the pace slow and engaging, following the infants' cues. If an infant shows disinterest, try again another time or adapt your approach by using their own family photos if available. This activity can be done individually or in small groups, allowing for personalized attention.

Assessment

Observe the infants' engagement levels. Note if they reach for the cards, vocalize, or track the images and numbers with their eyes. Look for any attempts to mouth or grasp the cards, and listen for babbling or cooing in response to the counting or songs. Document instances of sustained attention to the numeral or quantity sides of the cards.

Educator tip

Keep stimulation low; follow infant cues.

Assessment

Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Observe gaze, reach, calm engagement.

More from EYFS My Family