How Would We Count?

Why do this problem?

Possible approach

Display the 'blue' image so that everyone can see it - it may be helpful to use a whiteboard, if one is available. The aim is to encourage the children to 'say' what is in their heads about the counting such as, 

'I can see three lines. One is a line of six and one is a line of five and there's a line of four and then there is these other ones in between.'

They may well see something different to what you see. Be prepared for surprises! 

A valuable discussion can then follow with the children saying what they think about others' 'say' about their counting.

Here are some further examples that can be used in a similar way .doc  pdf

Key questions

How many?

Possible extension

A handful of pebbles scattered on to a tray can lead to similar questions and discussions.

The children could then go on to try counting other things that they come across in the real world such as seeds on a sunflower, patterns on clothing, flowers in a flower-bed or spots on different animals' skin.

Possible support