Count With Me
Parent counts steps, snacks, and toys with toddler. The agent coaches the parent to observe whether the child participates in counting, shows one-to-one correspondence, or understands that counting tells 'how many.'
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
5 small countable items (crackers, blocks, toy animals). Space to take steps together. Toddler alert and engaged.
How it works
- 1~25s
Line up the five items in front of your child. Point to each one and count slowly: 'One... two... three... four... five!' Touch each item as you count. Then ask your child: 'Can you count them?' Watch — does they point? Say any numbers? Skip items or count the same one twice?
Watch for: Child participates in counting objects by pointing, saying numbers, or imitating the counting sequence.
- 2~25s
Now let's count something moving — steps! Hold your child's hand and walk together. Count each step out loud: 'One... two... three...' up to five, then stop. Does your child join in? Try it again — does they anticipate the counting? Does they say any numbers with you?
Watch for: Child engages with counting during movement, joining in with number words or rhythm.
- 3~20s
Last challenge — after counting a small group (two or three items), ask your child: 'How many are there?' Does they say the last number counted? This understanding — that the last number tells you 'how many' — is called cardinality and it's a big milestone. It's okay if they doesn't get it yet!
Watch for: Child demonstrates cardinality — understanding that the last number counted represents the total quantity.