Olympic Counting Challenge
Counting in active, playful contexts like bubble blowing creates joyful maths experiences that build number sense.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Olympics
- Learning area: Numeracy
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Objectives
- Recognise numbers from 1 to 25 depending on developmental level
- Use one-to-one correspondence to count
- Count bubbles before they pop
Materials
- Bubble blowers
- Non-toxic bubble making liquid
- Open space
- Number cards 1-25
Instructions
Transform your classroom or outdoor space into an 'Olympic Counting Arena' by spreading number cards face up across the floor in a clear, organised pattern. Create matching individual cards for each child—these will serve as their 'Olympic athlete numbers.'
Begin indoors with the number matching warm-up. Distribute cards to children and model the matching process: 'I have the number 5. Can you help me find where 5 lives on our arena floor?' Guide children to walk carefully among the cards, searching for their match. When they find it, invite them to stand on or beside their number and call out proudly: 'I found my number! I am Olympic athlete number 5!'
Gather children in a circle and have each share their number, holding their card high. Practise counting around the circle, reinforcing number sequence and recognition. Then transition to the exciting outdoor portion—the Olympic Bubble Counting Challenge!
Outdoors, explain the challenge with Olympic enthusiasm: 'Real Olympic athletes compete to see who can do the most of something—the most jumps, the fastest run. We're going to compete to see who can COUNT the most bubbles before they pop!' Demonstrate by blowing a small cluster of bubbles and counting aloud together: 'One, two, three, four... they popped at four!'
Give each child turns with the bubble wand, encouraging the group to count together. Celebrate every counting attempt, regardless of how high they reached. For children ready for more challenge, blow larger clusters or blow continuously while they count as fast as they can.
Close by awarding everyone 'Olympic Counting Champion' status, reinforcing that in this classroom, everyone who tries is a winner.
Educator tip
Make the bubble activity competitive like the Olympics: 'Who can count the most bubbles?' Celebrate all counting attempts—the joy of trying is more important than the highest number reached.
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. Observe student's ability to recognise numbers and apply one-to-one correspondence.