Learning Age: 3 to 4 Years

Learning Track: Towards Numeracy

More Counting From You... and Your Child Begins To Count

C ontinue counting out items to your young child,

whenever you can and wherever you are.

You might count their toys, the number of parked cars or, for maximum fun, monkeys in the zoo - use your imagination! As you count, touch or point at the item, however if you are counting monkeys we recommend just pointing!

As your child begins to count, encourage them to touch or point to the items.

Your child will enjoy simple counting books.

"Baby Touch Numbers Board Book" by Ladybird

At the early stages of counting your child will probably count the items in a haphazard order, often double counting. When this happens just say something like "Now it's my turn to count" and count in an ordered way, top to bottom for example, eventually your child will copy you.

When your child has more energy than they know what to do with, get them to count items in your home – try something like "I need to know how many doors we have. Can you help me ?""