Comparison
- Compares two small groups of up to five objects, saying when there are the same number of objects in each group, e.g. You’ve got two, I’ve got two. Same!
Counting
- May enjoy counting verbally as far as they can go
- Points or touches (tags) each item, saying one number for each item, using the stable order of 1,2,3,4,5.
- Uses some number names and number language within play, and may show fascination with large numbers
- Begin to recognise numerals 0 to 10
Cardinality
- Subitises one, two and three objects (without counting)
- Counts up to five items, recognising that the last number said represents the total counted so far (cardinal principle)
- Links numerals with amounts up to 5 and maybe beyond
- Explores using a range of their own marks and signs to which they ascribe mathematical meanings
Composition
- Through play and exploration, beginning to learn that numbers are made up (composed) of smaller numbers
- Beginning to use understanding of number to solve practical problems in play and meaningful activities
- Beginning to recognise that each counting number is one more than the one before
- Separates a group of three or four objects in different ways, beginning to recognise that the total is still the same
Spatial Awareness
- Responds to and uses language of position and direction
- Predicts, moves and rotates objects to fit the space or create the shape they would like
Shape
- Chooses items based on their shape which are appropriate for the child’s purpose
- Responds to both informal language and common shape names
- Shows awareness of shape similarities and differences between objects
- Enjoys partitioning and combining shapes to make new shapes with 2D and 3D shapes
- Attempts to create arches and enclosures when building, using trial and improvement to select blocks
Pattern
- Creates their own spatial patterns showing some organisation or regularity
- Explores and adds to simple linear patterns of two or three repeating items, e.g. stick, leaf (AB) or stick, leaf, stone (ABC)
- Joins in with simple patterns in sounds, objects, games and stories dance and movement, predicting what comes next
Measures
- In meaningful contexts, finds the longer or shorter, heavier or lighter and more/less full of two items
- Recalls a sequence of events in everyday life and stories