In my classroom, play is not just a pastime; it’s the primary mode of learning. Counting through play not only makes learning fun but also helps children develop a  deeper understanding of numerical concepts.

Play is the language of children. It’s how they make sense of the world around them and acquire new skills. Whether it’s building with blocks, sorting objects, or playing with puzzles, every playful activity presents an opportunity to explore numbers and counting.

An outcome in the Grade 1 SK Math curriculum states that children should

“demonstrate an understanding of counting by:

• indicating that the last number said identifies “how many”
• showing that any set has only one count using the counting on strategy
• using parts or equal groups to count sets.”

While my students were exploring and playing today, I was able to observe and check for their understanding of simple math concepts such as counting, addition and subtraction.  As children were building structures with cups I was able to ask them questions such as “how many cups do you have on the bottom row?” and “What if we added two more cups, how many would we have then? or “If we take 2 cups away, how many would be left?”

I was also about to ask similar questions to the children playing with duplo blocks. Questions ranged from how many blocks to questions about design to questions about symmetry.

Playing games like snakes and ladders becomes another playful way to reinforce counting skills.  The students practiced subitizing as they quickly determined the number of spaces they would move and then counted those spaces.  They also did some problem solving as they counted the number of squares they needed to use the ladder or to avoid the snakes tail.  Games like this are perfect for working on numeracy skills as well as social skills such as taking turns.

Teaching through play requires the teacher to know the curriculum outcomes. They then need to watch and observe for evidence of these outcomes during play.  The teacher must also watch for opportunities to ask questions that can help guide future mini-lessons for the whole group or small groups of children.  Counting through play during the classroom day results in engaged learners and a joyful learning environment.

Happy Learning,

Lynda