Counting to 3 | Pre-K Math
Master Counting Skills with Objects, Pictures, and Shapes
🎯 What is Counting?
Counting is the process of finding out how many objects are in a group. When we count, we say one number for each object and the last number tells us the total.
1 → 2 → 3
(Count in order, one at a time)
📐 Counting Formula & Principles
One-to-One Correspondence Formula:
1 Touch + 1 Number Word = 1 Object Counted
Each object gets exactly ONE number
Three Counting Principles:
1. Stable Order Principle
Always count in the same order: 1, 2, 3
2. One-to-One Principle
Touch or point to each object only once
3. Cardinality Principle
The last number said is the total amount
📚 Learn to Count - Up to 3
1 ONE
Say: "ONE" | Touch: 1 object | Total: 1
2 TWO
Say: "ONE, TWO" | Touch: 2 objects | Total: 2
3 THREE
Say: "ONE, TWO, THREE" | Touch: 3 objects | Total: 3
🖼️ Counting Different Objects
📷 Count Pictures
Point to each picture (animals, toys, fruits) and count: 1, 2, 3
⚫ Count Dots
Touch each dot on the page and count aloud
🔷 Count Shapes
Count circles, squares, triangles, or rectangles up to 3
🎲 Count Cubes
Count three-dimensional cube blocks by touching each one
⭐ Count Stickers
Select and count the correct number of stickers
🔲 Count on Frames - Up to 3
What is a Ten Frame?
A ten frame is a rectangle divided into 10 equal boxes (2 rows of 5). It helps us see numbers visually and count systematically.
Ten Frame Formula:
Number of Filled Boxes = Total Count
☑️ 1 filled box = Number 1
☑️☑️ 2 filled boxes = Number 2
☑️☑️☑️ 3 filled boxes = Number 3
🎨 Show & Represent Numbers
Different Ways to Show Numbers:
🎲 Show Numbers with Cubes
Place the correct number of cubes (1, 2, or 3) to match a given number
Formula: If number = 2 → Place 2 cubes
🔲 Show Numbers on Frames
Fill the ten frame boxes with counters to represent the number
Formula: Number 3 → Fill 3 boxes in the frame
📷 Represent Numbers with Pictures
Draw or choose pictures to show the correct quantity
Formula: Number 1 → Draw 1 picture
🔷 Represent Numbers with Shapes
Use geometric shapes to show quantities up to 3
Formula: Number 2 → Place 2 shapes
📝 Step-by-Step Counting Process
Step 1: Look at all the objects
Identify what you need to count
Step 2: Point to the first object
Touch or point clearly to start counting
Step 3: Say the number aloud
Say "ONE" for the first object
Step 4: Move to the next object
Continue with "TWO" and "THREE" if there are more
Step 5: Say the total
The last number you said is the total count
📊 Key Counting Formulas Summary
🎯 Practice Activities
✏️ Count and Touch
Practice touching each object while counting aloud
🎨 Draw and Count
Draw circles or stars, then count how many you drew
🧩 Sort and Count
Group similar items together and count each group
🔢 Build Number Towers
Stack blocks to match numbers 1, 2, or 3
🎲 Frame Filling
Fill ten frames with counters to show different numbers
🌟 Real-Life Counting
Count snacks, toys, or books during daily activities
💡 Important Counting Tips
⭐ Always count in order: 1, 2, 3
⭐ Touch each object only once while counting
⭐ Say each number clearly and loudly
⭐ The last number you say is the total amount
⭐ Practice counting every day with different objects
⭐ Use your fingers to help show numbers 1, 2, 3
⭐ Start counting from the same side each time (left to right)
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping objects
Make sure to count every object without skipping any
❌ Counting the same object twice
Touch each object only once to avoid double counting
❌ Counting out of order
Always follow the sequence: 1, 2, 3 (never 1, 3, 2)
❌ Counting too fast
Count slowly and carefully, matching each touch to a number word
🌟 Great Job Learning to Count! 🌟
Remember: Practice makes perfect! Count everything around you!