When you finish counting, the last number you say tells how many there are. If you count 1, 2, 3, 4, then there are 4!
Key idea
The last number you say is how many.
Worked example: Ducks in a row
Ben counts the ducks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. How many ducks?
- The last number Ben said is 5.
- So there are 5 ducks.
Answer: 5 ducks
For the grown-up: After your child counts, ask “So how many are there?” If they count again from 1, show them: “You said 4 at the end. There are 4.” Then ask again another time. Stop while it is still fun. Then go and play the real-life version.
- Try it at home: Count toys into a basket, then ask how many.
- Count apples in a bag at the store.
- Line up shoes by the door and count them.