3.3y–5y12 minDevelopmental playFree play
Big Number Line, Big Access
A large, accessible number-line game where your child points, gazes, or signals to choose numerals and compare quantities—reducing the need for small counters and fine-motor handling.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 10–11 sheets of paper or paper plates (to make big number cards)
- a thick marker or pen
- tape or reusable putty (to fix cards on floor/table/wall at a comfortable height)
- a pointer (wooden spoon) OR a toy car/large marker that is easy to move or indicate
Nice to have
- a phone for zooming in (if helpful)
- a small whiteboard/paper to jot a number challenge
- a timer to keep it short and fun
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneRecognises written numeralsMind· 4y–5y· core
- MilestoneReceptive opposite understandingMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCompares object propertiesMind· 2.8y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneCounts objects one-to-oneMind· 4y–4.5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneReports the counted totalMind· 4.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneRecites the counting sequenceMind· 4y–5y· core
- MilestoneVerbal opposite identificationMind· 4.5y–5y· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
- Selects the correct numeral to represent 1 to 5, then 1 to 10 objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Counts an irregular arrangement of up to ten objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Estimates how many objects they can see and checks by counting them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses the language of ‘more’ and ‘fewer’ to compare two sets of objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Big number lines may be more appropriate than counters for children with physical impairments.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)