3.3y–5y10 minFree playFamily timeDevelopmental play
Play Limit Sign: How Many Can Join?
A guided play routine where children see numerals used for a real purpose (a sign showing how many can play), then count toys/players to match the numeral and adjust when the numeral changes.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper and a marker (to make numeral ‘signs’)
- small toys or objects to be ‘players’ (e.g., cars, figures, teddies, blocks)
- a clear play area (table/floor) for a simple ‘track’ or play zone
Nice to have
- masking tape to outline a ‘track’ or play zone
- a small bowl to hold ‘waiting’ toys
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
- MilestoneRecognises written numeralsMind· 4y–5y· core
- MilestoneReports the counted totalMind· 4.3y–5y· core
- Milestonecounts up to 5Mind· 2.5y–3.3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneNames written numeralsMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneWrites numerals with supportMind· 4.5y–5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneRecites the counting sequenceMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Step 2
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
- “Display numerals in purposeful contexts, e.g. a sign showing how many children can play on a number track.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)