3.3y–5y12 minFamily timeChore timeFree play
Number Detective: Make-a-Problem
Gather everyday number resources and help your child invent simple number problems, then solve them with objects across daily life contexts.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a few everyday items to count (spoons, socks, toy cars, blocks)
- paper and pen or marker
- 2 bowls or plates
Nice to have
- sticky notes to make number labels or 'price tags'
- a small bag or box to hold the counters
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
- MilestoneCounts objects one-to-oneMind· 4y–4.5y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneBegins to identify own mathematical problems based on own interests and fascinations.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core
- MilestoneReports the counted totalMind· 4.3y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneRecognises written numeralsMind· 4y–5y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneNames written numeralsMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- Milestonecounts up to 5Mind· 2.5y–3.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneWrites numerals with supportMind· 4.5y–5y· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Finds the total number of items in two groups by counting all of them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Estimates how many objects they can see and checks by counting them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Counts an irregular arrangement of up to ten objects.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Selects the correct numeral to represent 1 to 5, then 1 to 10 objects.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
- “Provide a wide range of number resources and encourage children to be creative in identifying and devising problems and solutions in all areas of learning.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)