Count on Me page--how to use

[Gwenny]

How do you use this page? I'm using it with my 3.5 yo who knows how to count to 10 very well and knows what it means to count the objects, etc. She doesn't know how to write the numbers though.

[MelInKansas]

I think in LHTH it describes pretty much what you are supposed to do - here's what I remember:

Have your child draw 2, or 3 of whatever it says in each box.
Count them - when you count the # in the box you (mom) write the number underneath. So if there are 2 in each box you would count "1, 2" and then write 2 under the first box "3, 4" write 4 under the next box, etc, up to 10. Then you go back and count by 2's to show the concept of skip counting, "2, 4, 6, 8, 10." It also says make up a story about whatever you are drawing.

[Gwenny]

okay--I was wondering how others used it--if I should just write the number or give her numbers to trace--it seems like the counting up to five is too simple but yet she's not ready for counting by 2s either--looking for good ideas--I'm not creative.

[MelInKansas]

You are counting by 1's and then by 2's - if you look back at the way I described it. This is the introduction to skip counting. Yes in some ways it's too easy and some ways it's too hard, but my 6YO got skip counting down by the end of the year (since you do it once a week). I think you start with 2's, not with 1's.

[Gwenny]

Got it! Thanks. Slow in the brain at the moment. lol

[hs.mama07]

We do it pretty much the same way. My son draws two pictures in each box, then we count them 2 at a time (he likes to do the counting now) and I write the numbers. Initially, I would go back and count each picture and then point to the numbers. So it'd sound like this, "1, 2...2. 3, 4...4, etc. I'd go through again and just point to the number and say them, "2, 4, 6, 8, 10." Then I'd point to the number and say it and ask him to say the number after me. Now, he likes to do it all by himself.

I think part of the exercise is learning counting or skip counting, but another big part is just learning to follow directions. Drawing a certain number of particular shapes in each box...repeating the number after you, etc. And it is good practice of fine motor skills too. So even if counting to 5 is easy for her, you could choose to start there if you wanted to, just to teach her the routine of the activity and to give her practice holding a pencil. Kids often enjoy things that are easy--gives them a sense of accomplishment. It'd probably work well either way!

Hope that helps. Have fun!

[Gwenny]

That does help. Thanks! She love to "do school" and begs to do it each day. Such a switch from my last 2 boys! The beg every day for a holiday!