Skill· 2.8y–6.2y· 4 min

Counting and Puzzles

Parent observes seven early mathematics milestones from MELQO at 36-72mo: verbal counting range, recognising written numerals, mental addition, giving a specified number on request, comparing two numbers, completing a five-piece puzzle, and understanding spatial prepositions (on, under, in front of, next to).

Start voice activity

Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.

What you'll need

Small container with 10-15 objects. Simple puzzle or 5 objects. Optional: number cards 1-10.

How it works

  1. 1~90s

    Three tasks. First: ask your child to count out loud as high as they can go. Note the highest number reached without error. Second: write or show numbers — start with 1, then 3, 7, 10, 12, 15 — and ask your child to name each. Note which ones they gets right. Third: ask: 'your child, can you give me exactly 4 blocks?' Place 10 blocks in a pile in front of them. Does your child count out exactly 4, or grab a handful? Tell me each.

    Watch for: Child counts as high as possible verbally

  2. 2~60s

    Two maths tasks. First: ask: 'Which is more — 6 or 3?' Then: 'Which is less — 8 or 5?' No objects — just the numbers spoken. Does your child answer correctly? Try a third: 'Is 9 more or less than 7?' Second: ask: 'If you have 3 apples and I give you 2 more, how many do you have altogether?' No objects — purely mental. Can your child answer 5 without counting? Note whether they finger-counts or uses mental retrieval. Tell me both.

    Watch for: Child compares magnitude of two numbers

  3. 3~90s

    Two final tasks. First: put out a five-piece puzzle or lay 5 clearly different objects face down and let your child fit them into their spaces. Watch whether your child uses trial-and-error or visual planning. How long does it take? Second: place a small object (a block, a cup) and give spatial commands: 'Put the block ON the cup.' 'Now put it UNDER.' 'Now IN FRONT OF me.' 'Now NEXT TO the cup.' Does your child execute each preposition correctly? Tell me both.

    Watch for: Child completes a five-piece puzzle

What this develops

Visual example

Coming soon