- Definition
When your child "counts," it means they can say numbers in the right order, like "one, two, three," even if they aren't counting actual toys or objects.
Saying 'one, two, three, four, five' in order while getting ready to play hide-and-seek is counting.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Counting is like singing the alphabet song, but you are saying the numbers in their special order.
Ask your child: How high can you count?
Common mix-up: Kids may confuse saying numbers with counting objects. Rote counting is just reciting the number sequence from memory, even with your eyes closed.
Examples
- Reciting '1, 2, 3...' while waiting for a turn on the slide.
- Saying 'ten, nine, eight...' for a rocket ship launch in a game.
count is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
