GETTING READY
Counting a set, and counting nothing
A pile to wonder about. A turn at the table. A little practice.
About 12–18 minutes together. Bring ten similar counters, two plates (or two drawn circles) and a cloth. Count out exactly 8 for the main task and keep 6 aside, out of view.
For the grown-up · The counting itself is taught at the table, not on screen — moving each counter as it is counted is the whole method. Stay nearby and read prompts if your browser’s voice is unavailable. No number reading or writing needed. Printing is optional.
Open the table card & counting mat ↗This page remembers your place only while it stays open. Reloading or leaving starts again.
Grown-up help
The app voices each tapped count word, so practice here is rehearsal of one-to-one counting and the zero idea. It supports, but cannot itself supply, the table-observed rows below. Your paper card remains the evidence record.
- One-to-one count of 8: moves and says each exactly once, with unprompted organisation.
- Final word as total: answers “altogether” at once, or after one self-chosen recount — their own check is a strategy note, not support.
- Total survives rearrangement: states or checks eight in the ring, with a reason.
- Zero as empty set: says none or zero, and can make a zero plate.
- Scattered 6: organises and counts correctly, and can justify that nothing was missed.
Mark each row independent / supported / revisit / uncertain. Leave anything you did not observe uncertain. Nothing is scored or stored.
There is no deadline. Touch the counters as often as you like; touching one you already counted repeats its word and does not count it twice. Five practice items, at most two extra layouts; a second mismatch on the same one closes practice calmly.
Counting mat, cut-out sets and the table card ↗