Counting Grid

Counting Grid

Use the supplied counting grid to assist your child with identifying and quantifying numerals. This activity encourages children to develop an understanding of one-to-one correspondence. You can create your own counting grid using a marker and paper or by gluing bottle caps to a piece of cardboard. For younger children start with a counting grid of five and progress to ten. Feel free to get creative using found objects at home!

In our video demonstration, we show how to use the counting grid with household objects to support early numeracy. The educator models placing one object in each square of the grid and counts aloud with each placement. This repetition reinforces number sequence and helps children understand the concept that each number corresponds to a single object. This method also helps children begin to self-correct and observe their own counting patterns over time.

This activity lays the foundation for addition, subtraction, and grouping. It also supports fine motor development, as children use their fingers to carefully transfer items into each space. You can further support learning by encouraging your child to name the objects or colours as they count.

To keep the experience engaging, rotate the objects regularly or let your child choose the materials to use. This creates a sense of ownership over their learning and helps maintain interest.

Home Lesson One

1. Print and laminate the supplied counting grid printable
2. Source 15 similar objects such as pebbles, buttons, pom poms, or beads and place them in a bowl or container to your left if you are using the counting grid of five
3. Source 55 similar objects and place them in a bowl or container to your left if you are using the counting grid of ten
4. Take one object from the bowl on your left and count “one”
5. Repeat for “two” and “three”
6. Invite your child to take a turn
7. For younger children begin with the counting grid of five and then progress to the counting grid of ten

Encourage your child to count slowly and clearly. You can place your hand over theirs to guide them through the first few placements, then allow them to continue independently.