2.5y–4.2y9 minMusicStory timeFamily time
Counting Songs With Props
Uses everyday objects (and optional quick pictures) to act out a counting song or number story, helping your child connect number words to real sets and actions.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 5 small objects (e.g., socks, spoons, blocks, bottle tops)
- a clear space (table, floor, or tray)
Nice to have
- paper and a pen/crayon (to draw quick dots or simple pictures)
- a familiar counting book (any you already have)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- Milestonecounts up to 5Mind· 2.5y–3.3y· core
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneJoins in Singing Familiar SongsMind· 2y–3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneRecites the counting sequenceMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCounts objects one-to-oneMind· 4y–4.5y· stretch· Steps 2, 3
What it practices
- Recites numbers in order to 10.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses some number names and number language spontaneously.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses some number names accurately in play.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Knows that numbers identify how many objects are in a set.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use pictures and objects to illustrate counting songs, rhymes and number stories.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)