3.3y–5y12 minDevelopmental playFamily timeQuiet time
DIY Number Games Box
Create one tiny reusable number game and play it immediately, with your child practising rules, turn-taking, counting to check, and using more/fewer language.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper (a few small pieces) and a marker
- 10–20 small counters (coins, buttons, beans, blocks)
- a small container/envelope (to store the game pieces)
Nice to have
- sticky tape (to reinforce cards)
- a coin (for a simple flip ‘spinner’)
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· Step 2
- MilestoneCompares object propertiesMind· 2.8y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneRecognises written numeralsMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneReports the counted totalMind· 4.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneReceptive opposite understandingMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUses talk to organise, sequence and clarify thinking, ideas, feelings and events.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneCooperative turn-taking play with peersHeart· 4y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneLinks statements and sticks to a main theme or intention.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneShows understanding of how to transport and store equipment safely.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 4
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
- Uses the language of ‘more’ and ‘fewer’ to compare two sets of objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Estimates how many objects they can see and checks by counting them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Make number games readily available and teach children how to use them.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)