egg carton counting

Counting objects 1, 2, 3 is the beginning task towards creating number sense for little ones.  This egg carton counting invitation is a starting point for numeracy exploration.  I sat down with my sweet girl (now two and a half) and we counted 1, 2, 3 together.

I put 1, 2, or 3 dots in the inside of each single egg carton section with a permanent marker.  Then we counted our rocks 1, 2, 3.  She began to understand that she had to look at the dots I’d made in each little container.  And after we went through the carton, I left her to sort her little rocks.  She loves sorting and feeling the rocks in her hands.  A perfect and simple invitation to learn and explore with natural materials.  And don’t her feet look way too big.  She’s growing.  I’m so proud, but not without tears.