What is object counting?
- Object counting consists of naming how many items there are, which are labeled with a number word by adults or older children.
- This enables children to build meaning for number words such as telling how many.
- To count a set of objects, children must not only know verbal counting but also learn how to coordinate verbal with objects by pointing to or moving the objects and knowing that the last number of the set is cardinality.
- Counting is the first and most basic and important algorithm.
- An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that is guaranteed to solve a specific category of problems.
Different counting skills
- Children need to produce a collection of a given number, "count out" a group.
- Children learn to count objects in different arrangements, so keeping track of what they have and have not yet counted is a great skill they should embrace.
- Children also learn sophisticated counting strategies, such as counting on or counting backwards to solve arithmetic problems.
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Tips on how to teach children object counting
- Encourage children to touch the objects as they count and counting objects that are organized into a row.
- Encourage the child to point to objects.
- If a child has a learning disability, encourage that child to work slowly and carefully.
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