Even after your child has mastered saying the number words in the right order, you might notice that they have trouble applying this count list to a set of objects. This might look like skipping over objects, counting the same object twice, or losing track of which objects they have and haven’t counted.

To successfully count and find the total number of objects in a set, each object needs to be labeled with one (and only one!) number word without skipping or repeating. This skill is called one-to-one correspondence: one number word is assigned to one object in the set.

If your child is working on this skill, there are several simple ways you can support them through play and everyday activities.

Start With Real Objects

When kids are counting objects in a book or on a worksheet, it can be tricky to keep track of what they’ve already counted. If your child is skipping objects or double-counting when they count pictures, try making the activity more hands-on by placing small objects like pompoms, buttons, or other loose parts on top of each picture.

See it in action here: 

It can also help to organize objects before counting. Try placing objects in a line or encouraging your child to arrange them themselves before they begin counting. A clear structure makes it easier to see which objects have already been counted.

Slow Down and Be Dramatic

Another common challenge happens when kids rush through their verbal count list. Instead of matching each number word to an object, the count list can start to sound like one long string of memorized words as they “float” their hand above the set of objects. Sometimes kids even keep counting past the number of objects because they want to land on a familiar or “friendly” number like five or ten.

One helpful strategy is to encourage your child to slow down and model counting very dramatically.

When you count with your child, emphasize the movement from one object to the next. Say each number word slowly and clearly, and make sure to say the number word right as you touch the object. Making this process a little theatrical can help your child understand that each word is being used to label exactly one object.

Practice One-to-One Correspondence Outside of Counting

Like many early math skills, one-to-one correspondence can’t be memorized - it’s a concept that kids need a lot of experience and practice with. If your child is just getting started with one-to-one correspondence or needs more practice, try these other activities that encourage pairing one thing with another.

For example, you could invite child to:

• place one cup or plate in front of each person while setting the table
• put one toy car into each parking space on a grid
• place one pompom into each hole of an ice cube tray

These kinds of activities help children strengthen the concept of one-to-one correspondence, which will help them when counting sets of objects. With plenty of hands-on practice and opportunities to slow down and count real objects, your child will gradually learn how to keep track of each object and confidently find the total in a set.

If your child is working on saying the list of number words in order, check out this blog post!