Let's Count to 5

In this unit, students make groups of zero through five objects and connect number words to the groups. They use numerals to record the size of a group. Familiar nursery rhymes and songs and visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities are included in each lesson. This unit is most appropriate for students learning at the prekindergarten and kindergarten levels.

Math Content

• Relationships among whole numbers
• Counting strategies, including rote counting and rational counting to maintain a one-to-one correspondence between objects and number words
• Representing numbers in multiple ways, including grouping, ordering, and describing groups
• Matching numerals and sets

Individual Lessons

Lesson 1 - Focus on Two

A nursery rhyme provides a context for using the number 2. Students make groups of two, write the numeral 2, and record a group of two on a personal recording chart.

Lesson 2 - Three in a Set

In this lesson, students construct sets of three, compare them with sets of two, and write the numeral 3. They also show a set of three on their recording chart.

Lesson 3 - One, Two, Three--Go

After reviewing the numbers 2 and 3, students construct and identify sets of one. They compare sets of one, two, and three objects and record a set of three in chart form.

Lesson 4 - Finding Four

Students explore the number 4. They make sets of four, write the numeral 4, and compare sets of four to sets of one, two, and three.

Lesson 5 - Here's a Handful

Students construct sets of up to five items, write the numeral 5, identify sets of five, and record "5" on a chart. They also play a game that requires recognizing the numerals to 5. This lesson provides opportunities for connecting mathematics with music.

Lesson 6 - Zero Our Hero

Students explore sets of zero items and practice writing the numbers 0 through 5. Students count back from five, identify sets of up to five items, and record "0" on a chart. They also construct sets of up to five items.