Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Cognitive Development (CD)

Subdomain: Mathematical Thinking and Expression

Goal: Children show understanding of numbers and quantities during play and other activities

Skill Progression: Counting

Age: 48-54 Months

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Play a dice game. Give each child a piece of paper with a 12 X 4 grid (or with more columns if desired). Children can play in small groups and take turns with the dice.

First give children one die. Children take turns throwing the die and drawing the pattern on the die next to the number represented on the die. Once everyone at the table has thrown 1-6, give the children a second die. Again they count the pips on the die and draw what they have next to the total number. Different combinations that comprise the same number are drawn in different columns. The first person to fill in all twelve numbers wins.

This game allows the adult to see if a child is accurately counting and reading patterns that represent numbers up to 12. Children should be able to do this up to 9, and some will be able to do so up to 12. The children will also learn that there are many ways to combine sets to create a number.

Dice games are a good way for children to learn about how numbers can be composed and decomposed in many different ways. Encourage parents to play dice, board, and card games with the child. In addition, writing and using numbers should be encouraged in dramatic play. Provide pencil and paper and encourage children to draw and write in their play.