2.5y–4.2y12 minDevelopmental playFree play
Scatter Count Detective
A playful counting investigation where the parent models counting objects in a random layout, highlights counting each object once, then rearranges to show the total stays the same and invites the child to count, explain, and represent the result.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 8–12 small objects to count (e.g., blocks, bottle tops, toy cars) (avoid choking hazards)
- a clear surface (floor, table, tray)
Nice to have
- paper and pencil/crayon for marks
- a small bowl to 'move counted items' into
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 1
- Milestonecounts up to 5Mind· 2.5y–3.3y· core
- MilestoneRecites the counting sequenceMind· 4y–5y· stretch· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneGives meaning to own drawings or marksMind· 2.8y–3.8y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUses mark-making toolsBody· 22mo–2.8y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneBegins to identify own mathematical problems based on own interests and fascinations.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch
What it practices
- 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
- Recites numbers in order to 10.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Knows that numbers identify how many objects are in a set.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Beginning to represent numbers using fingers, marks on paper or pictures.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Model counting of objects in a random layout, showing the result is always the same as long as each object is only counted once.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)