Counting to 10 with Objects

Counting real objects is the best way to learn numbers. Line up 10 blocks, 10 buttons, 10 pebbles, or 10 goldfish crackers. Touch each one as you say a number: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Every object gets exactly one touch and one number. When you get to the last one, that number tells you how many there are.

Counting has three rules. Rule one: start at 1. Rule two: say the numbers in order (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10). Rule three: each object gets exactly one number — no skipping, no double counting. When you follow all three rules, the last number you say is the total amount.

Put 10 crayons in a row. Touch the first and say 1. Touch the next and say 2. Keep going until you touch the last crayon and say 10. Ten crayons! Now scatter them on the table in a pile. Count them again by moving each one to a new pile as you count. Did you still get 10? You should!

When you count, you are making a one-to-one match. One object matches one number. This is a huge idea in math. It helps you understand that numbers stand for real amounts. Whether you count apples or stars or seconds, the numbers work the same way every time. Scientists, cooks, teachers, and builders all use counting every day.