How many dots do you see?
Here's What To Do
1
Invite your child to help you make a set of activity plates using the attached directions before you begin.
2
Show your child one plate with dots on it and another without dots so they can see that some plates have dots and others don't.
3
Now show them each plate one by one, trying to say how many dots there are without counting.
4
All done? Try it again!
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Invite your child to count to five and then take two deep breaths.
E
Engage:
- Show your child a plate with one dot. Keep the plate where your child can see it and ask, “How many dots do you see?”
- Show a plate with two dots and say, “I see some dots on the plate. How many dots are on the plate?”
E
Encourage:
- Give your child a hint but try not to give them the whole number. Try, “There are t-t-t-t-twooooo, yes two dots on the plate.”
- Don’t worry if your child has to count the first few times to recognize how many dots are on the plate.
R
Reflect:
- “Was it hard to know how many dots were on the plate?”
Not quite ready?
Show your child how many dots are on a plate by saying “One, I see one dot.” Repeat it with me, “one” and place your hand over theirs to help them touch the dot as you say “one.”
Ready for more?
Repeat the same activity but this time show the plates out of order and show them for a short time.
As your child masters this skill...
Will say one, two and three when they see one, two or three things (such as balls, toys, or shoes) without counting.