Number Sense: Body-Count + Zero Game

Infants build foundations for later learning through repetition, sensory exploration, and responsive interaction.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

- Soft mat or rug for floor play

- Variety of safe, age-appropriate toys (e.g., soft balls, rattles, textured blocks)

- Small basket or container

- A few identical, larger soft items (e.g., stuffed animals of the same size)

- A mirror placed safely on the floor or attached to a play gym

- Soft blanket or scarf

Learning Objectives

- Infants will actively engage with their own bodies and explore body parts.

- Infants will demonstrate understanding of "one" by reaching for or interacting with a single object.

- Infants will begin to explore the concept of "zero" by noticing when objects or body parts are hidden.

- Infants will show increased awareness of their family members present during the activity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Lay the infant on the soft mat, ensuring they are comfortable and can see you. Smile and talk in a warm, engaging tone about their "lovely baby hands" and "wiggly toes," drawing attention to their body.

2. Gently take one of the infant's feet and lightly touch it to a toy, saying, "One foot touching one toy!"

3. Place one toy in the basket. Encourage the infant to reach for it, if they are able. If they successfully touch or grasp it, praise them, saying, "You touched one toy!"

4. When the infant is looking, use the soft blanket to cover their hands or feet for a moment, then reveal them. Ask, "Where did they go? They're back!" This introduces the idea of something being momentarily gone.

5. Place all the large, identical soft items in front of the infant. Gently remove them one by one, counting aloud, "One, two..." until none are left. Hold up your empty hands and say, "Zero toys left!"

6. Place the mirror where the infant can see their reflection. Point to the reflection and say, "Look, there's baby! That's one baby!"

7. If a family member is present, point to them and say, "And here's [family member's name]! That's one grown-up!" This connects the counting to immediate family.

8. Continue to interact by hiding a toy and then 'finding' it, reinforcing the concept of presence and absence.

Educator Tip

This activity is best conducted with a familiar caregiver or small group of family members present to enhance the feeling of security and connection. Always supervise infants closely, ensuring they do not mouth any small objects and that the mirror is securely placed. Adapt the pace to the infant's cues, repeating actions they show interest in.

Assessment

Observe the infant's facial expressions and body language. Note any reaching behaviours, eye gaze towards objects or body parts, and vocalizations. Track instances where the infant engages with a single object or shows interest when items are hidden and revealed, as indicators of early number sense development.

Educator tip

Keep stimulation low; follow infant cues; stop if arching/turning away; sanitize props; avoid small parts.

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, and vocalization/settling during routine.

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