Step Counting
Here's What To Do
Pick something your child can step on and count up to 5 as they step (examples: stairs, floor tiles, stepping stones)
Ask them to step slowly and count each step as they go. If their counting doesn't match their steps, ask them to start over and try again.
When you get to 5 (or the top of the stairs), do a celebratory dance or high five!
Practice throughout the day (like every time you go up or down the stairs).
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Stand in place and take a deep breath together before you start counting.
Engage:
- "Can you count each floor square as you step on it?"
- "I noticed you only took one step but you said two numbers. Can you start again and try counting more slowly?"
Encourage:
- This is a harder skill than counting out loud in the right order. Don't worry if your child hasn't mastered it yet!
- If your child gets frustrated, remind them that their brain is getting stronger by practicing.
Reflect:
- Where else might be a good place to count steps? (school, train station, grocery store)
Not quite ready?
Try counting 3 steps instead of 5
Ready for more?
At the end, ask your child "how many" total steps they took. If they'd like more of a challenge, try counting 10 steps with one-to-one correspondence.
As your child masters this skill...
They will count only one step at a time and stop counting with the correct total (for amounts up to 5).
Step Counting with the Espinoza's
Check out Acelero Learning families trying this PEER activity at home!