3.3y–5y12 minFamily timeChore timeDevelopmental play
Count, Record, and Say It
Model mathematical vocabulary and show different ways to record quantities (dots, tallies, numerals), including comparing and combining two groups so your child links talk, marks, and meaning.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper (1–3 sheets)
- marker or pen
- 10–20 small objects (e.g., buttons, blocks, pasta)
- two small bowls/plates (to hold two groups)
Nice to have
- sticky notes (as quick labels)
- tape (to stick recordings near groups)
- a clipboard/book (as a hard writing surface)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneCounts objects one-to-oneMind· 4y–4.5y· core· Steps 1, 3, 4
- MilestoneReports the counted totalMind· 4.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneGives meaning to own drawings or marksMind· 2.8y–3.8y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneReceptive opposite understandingMind· 4y–5y· core· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneRecognises written numeralsMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneWrites numerals with supportMind· 4.5y–5y· core
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
- Finds the total number of items in two groups by counting all of them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use mathematical vocabulary and demonstrate methods of recording, using standard notation where appropriate.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)