More Silverware
Here's What To Do
Gather some silverware from the kitchen, like 5 spoons, and place them on the table/countertop. Say: “We have 5 spoons here. Let’s count them: 1, 2, 3,4,5.”
Take 5 forks and place them next to the original group. Say: “Now let’s add 5 forks because we will need forks as well. How many things do we have in all?”
Count together and point to each one as you count: “1, 2, 3, 4, 5... 6, 7, 8, 9, 10! We have 10 pieces of silverware!”
Repeat with different quantities of forks and spoons. Take turns leading the activity.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Stand together and stretch “high” and stretch “low” before beginning.
Engage:
- "Look at the spoons. How many more do we have if we add 1?"
- "How many are there all together?"
Encourage:
- If your child is struggling, add one item at a time while counting aloud.
- “Let’s try counting all the items again and this time touch each one as you count it.”
Reflect:
- “What was the hardest part of adding?”
Not quite ready?
Try playing the game counting up to five. Add another fork or spoon each time your child masters the counting game.
Ready for more?
Get ambitious! Add more spoons and forks and try counting to twenty!
As your child masters this skill...
They will understand that groups of objects can be combined to make a bigger group.