Sometimes we need a group of some number. “Bring me 4 spoons!” Let’s find groups that have just the number we need.
Key idea
To find a group of 4, count each group and stop at the one that has 4.
Worked example: Four spoons
Which pile has 4 spoons: the one with 3 or the one with 4?
- Count the first: 1, 2, 3. That is 3.
- Count the second: 1, 2, 3, 4. That is 4.
Answer: The second pile
For the grown-up: Ask for a number of things: “Can you give me 3 crayons?” Counting out a number is harder than counting a pile, so start small, with 1 to 5. Keep screen time short: two or three problems, then play.
- Try it at home: “Hand me 3 blocks, please.”
- Put 5 raisins on each plate.
- Fill a bag with 4 apples.