Counting Goldfish

Here's a fun learning activity to do with your child.

Children learn best when presented with a variety of games that reinforce the same mathematical concept.

Show your child five goldfish and ask them, “How many goldfish do we have here?” As your child counts the goldfish, do they say the number word in the correct sequence from one to five and do they have a correct count match?

Evidence of Learning: Present your child with goldfish and ask them, “How many goldfish do we have here?” Your child should know and name the correct forward number word sequence and have a correct count match.

When working with young children, remember to:

·      Show them how to do the task before expecting them to complete the task independently.

·      Limit the range of numbers being presented when introducing a new mathematical idea.

Provide children with a variety of math games, which repeat the same mathematical understanding

This game will also work well with any snack of choice, (cheerios, carrot sticks, grapes, apple pieces, etc). 

•     Model the activity. Pick up a handful of goldfish and guess how many you've picked up. Count out the goldfish as you place them in a row. Let your child check the count.

•     Let your child pick up a handful of goldfish and let them guess how many they have picked up. Have your child count the goldfish as they place them in a row.

•     Assessment}: Can your child say the number word in the correct sequence having a one word, one goldfish?

Activities:

•     Activity one: After your child has counted the correct number of goldfish, ask him/her to find the corresponding numeral on a number card or number line. The early introduction of the number line establishes a good framework for understanding number in all its’ various forms; (natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, real numbers).

•        Activity two: Create two rows of goldfish, next to each other. Compare the two rows of tiny goldfish and decide which has the greater number of goldfish. Figure out how many more goldfish are in one line than are in the other line.

Do you have an inspiring, fun learning activity that you do with your child, sibling, niece or nephew?