Counting Collections
Children love to collect things! Whether it’s a collection of 3 objects or 30 objects, allowing time to count those collections is one of the BEST ways you can support your child’s early math development!
“The ability to count accurately, flexibly, and with understanding supports children’s future success in mathematics. Opportunities to count abound in children’s daily lives, and counting can provide an ideal activity for connecting home and school learning experiences.” (From Young Children’s Mathematics)
Counting collections supports the development of the three counting principles:
Number Sequence: numbers are always said in the same order
One-to-One Principle: each object counted in the collection is assigned the next number in the counting sequence
Cardinal Principle: the last number said names the size of the entire group
Children first develop these principles with small groups of objects. Start by showing them how you count. As they learn, let them take over the counting.
Have a child under 2? Create a number-rich environment. Count their toys as they play.