2.5y–4.2y10 minChore timeFamily time
Shelf Fit Countdown
A practical kitchen tidy-up game where adults model mathematical language by asking “how many will fit?” and supporting children to count, predict, test, and explain their thinking.
What you'll need
Essentials
- 3–6 saucepans OR plastic containers/bowls (any safe, non-breakable kitchen items)
- a low shelf or cupboard space you can access safely together
Nice to have
- paper and crayon to make quick tally marks
- a tea towel for easy clean-up
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 up to 5Mind· 2.5y–3.3y· core
- MilestoneCounts objects one-to-oneMind· 4y–4.5y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneBegins to identify own mathematical problems based on own interests and fascinations.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Steps 1, 2, 4
- MilestoneExplains own knowledge and understanding, and asks appropriate questions of others.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch
- MilestoneAsks Wh-QuestionsMind· 2.3y–3.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneManipulates materials to achieve a planned effect.Mind· 3.3y–5y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneSelects appropriate resources and adapts work where necessary.Mind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneUses three- to five-word sentencesMind· 2y–4y· core· Step 4
What it practices
- Knows that numbers identify how many objects are in a set.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Recites numbers in order to 10.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Uses some number names and number language spontaneously.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 and encourage use of mathematical language e.g. asking questions such as ‘How many saucepans will fit on the shelf?’”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)