Early Atlas

Count and Drop

Children count objects one at a time as they drop them into a container.

Ages 30–54 months

Inspired by Montessori Play-based learning counting number-sense one-to-one-correspondence

Materials

  • 10 large counters, pom-poms, or blocks
  • A container or muffin tin

Steps

  • Drop one counter and say "one" as it lands.
  • Invite the child to drop the next and say "two."
  • Continue together to ten, one number per drop.
  • Tip them out and count again, letting the child lead.

Variations

  • Use a muffin tin so one counter goes in each cup.
  • Count claps, jumps, or steps instead of objects.

Differentiation

  • For beginners, count to five before extending to ten.
  • For older children, ask "How many?" after counting to check for the last number.

Accessibility

  • Use large, easy-to-grasp counters or let the child slide items in a row.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas