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

Level 3 develops academic independence and higher-order thinking.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

30 sturdy index cards (or pre made counting cards)

Marker pen

Assortment of small manipulatives (e.g., buttons, small toy figures, pebbles)

A small basket or tray for manipulatives

Pictures of different family members (e.g., parents, siblings, grandparents, pets)

Chart paper or whiteboard

Markers (for chart paper/whiteboard)

Learning Objectives

Children will be able to count up to 10 objects, demonstrating one-to-one correspondence.

Children will be able to match a numeral to a quantity of objects.

Children will be able to verbally express quantities using number words.

Children will be able to relate counting to representations of their own families.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather children in a circle. Hold up a picture of a family and ask, "Who do you see in this family? How many people are there?" Encourage them to point and count together.

2. Introduce the counting cards. Show a card with the numeral '3' and say, "This is the number 3. Can you make a '3' with your fingers?"

3. Place the numeral card on the chart paper. Explain, "This card has the number 3 on it. We need to find 3 of our little family members to put next to it."

4. Offer the basket of manipulatives. Invite a child to come and select 3 objects, saying, "Can you find and count out 3 little people for our card?" Guide them to touch each object as they count.

5. Repeat this process with different numeral cards (up to 10) and family pictures, asking questions like, "How many brothers and sisters are in this picture? Let's count them together!"

6. As children place objects, encourage them to say the number aloud, "One, two, three."

7. Have children work in small groups. Give each group numeral cards and a collection of family photos. They can count out the correct number of objects for each numeral to match the number of people or pets in their photos.

8. Conclude by asking children to share how many people are in their own families and to show you the corresponding number of fingers or objects.

Educator Tip

For children who need more support, begin with numerals and quantities up to 5. Provide tactile numeral cards for them to trace. For children ready for a challenge, ask them to create their own counting cards with drawings of their family members. Ensure all manipulatives are non-toxic and large enough to avoid choking hazards.

Assessment

Observe children as they count objects, noting if they are touching each item once and using the correct number word for each. Listen for their verbalization of number words and their ability to match numerals to quantities. You can also collect the completed counting cards with objects as a record of their progress.

Educator tip

Use rubric; insist on justification; support with exemplars.

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 (1–4): accuracy, reasoning, clarity, independence.

More from EYFS My Family