Number Sense: Body-Count + Zero Game

Level 1 focuses on concrete, hands-on learning building core early skills while strengthening identity and belonging through family-based discussion.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

Large number cards (0-5)

Painter's tape or chalk

Small objects for counting (e.g., buttons, blocks, small toy figures)

A basket or container for collected objects

Pictures or drawings of different family members

Soft ball or beanbag

Learning Objectives

Children will be able to count up to 5 objects.

Children will understand the concept of zero as "none".

Children will be able to match a number of objects to a numeral card.

Children will participate in a group counting activity related to their families.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather the children in a circle on the floor. Introduce the number cards, showing them 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Briefly discuss what each number means.

2. Explain that today we will be counting things that remind us of our families. Show the pictures of family members and ask children to share who is in their family.

3. Use painter's tape or chalk to create large number outlines on the floor using the number cards (0-5) as guides, one number outline per child or pair.

4. Place a variety of small objects (buttons, blocks) in the centre of the circle.

5. Say, "Let's count how many children are in our 'family group' today!" Count the children present together.

6. Hold up the corresponding number card and ask, "Can we find that many buttons to represent our family group?" Invite children to come to the centre and count out that many objects, placing them within their number outline.

7. For the "zero game," have children hold their empty baskets. Say, "Now, let’s imagine we are putting something in our basket, but there is nothing there to put. How many things are in our basket?" Guide them to understand it is zero. Retrieve the zero card and have children place it with their baskets.

8. Play a simple throwing game. Have children stand behind a line and throw a soft ball toward a target. Count how many balls go in. Then, have them put all the balls back and ask, "How many balls are in the target now?" Introduce the zero card again.

Educator Tip

Encourage children to talk about their families as they count. For example, "You have three people in your family, so let’s count three blocks!" If children are struggling with a specific number, offer them additional support by counting together slowly, using their fingers, or providing more concrete examples. Ensure all children understand that zero means "nothing" and that it's okay if they don’t have any objects for that number.

Assessment

Observe children's ability to count objects and match them to numeral cards. Note their participation in the group counting activities and their understanding of the concept of zero. You can also ask individual children to count a specific number of objects or identify a numeral card. Collect photos of children engaged in the counting activities to document their progress.

Educator tip

Pre-cut difficult pieces; use visual schedule; model language (same/more/less); include diverse family structures.

Assessment

Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Teacher checklist: engagement, correct attempt at target skill, ability to answer at least one prompt.

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