Counting Books

As children count objects in different ways—by 1, 2, 5, or other numbers—they begin to see how larger numbers are made from smaller ones. This activity can be used for enrichment as well. Students can use their creativity to create their own counting books.

Weblink address (URL): 
Counting Books (Page 11)

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Early elementary grades: Count objects one at a time. Counting out objects involves several skills. These include the ability to:

  • recite the counting sequence (1, 2, 3…);
  • match numbers to amounts;
  • keep track of objects counted and those still to be counted;
  • relate “one more” to the next number in the sequence.

Activity/Task Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Differentiation suggestions: 
  • Count them all (easier). To help count and keep track, children number each object on the page.
  • Time stories (same as main activity). Each page shows a different time. Younger children count by the hour (noon, 1pm, 2pm...) or month; older ones count by 20 minutes or 10 days (January 1, 10,...).
Extension suggestions: 

Square stories (harder). Read a counting book about square numbers, such as Sea Squares by Joy Hulme (Hyperion, 1999). Children make a square number counting book.

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • colored or white paper: several
  • sheets per child
  • markers or crayons
  • stickers or rubber stamps and ink
  • Counting Tickets: 1 or more per child

Optional: Fold sheets of paper in half and staple to make blank counting books (alternatively, each child can do this).

References

Contributors: 
Sarah Lasater
Citations: 
  • Desert Digits: An Arizona Number Book. Gowan, Barbara. (Sleeping Bear Press, 2006).
  • One is a Snail, Ten is a Crab: A Counting by Feet Book. Pullye Sayre, April and Jeff Sayre. (Candlewick, 2006).
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation