Check out Acelero Learning families trying this PEER activity at home!
Step Counting with the Espinoza‘s
Your Child Will Learn
How to count 5 objects with one-to-one correspondence (counting each object in a set only once)
Here’s What to Do
- Pick something your child can step on and count up to 5 as they step (examples: stairs, floor tiles, stepping stones)
- Ask them to step slowly and count each step as they go. If their counting doesn’t match their steps, ask them to start over and try again.
- When you get to 5 (or the top of the stairs), do a celebratory dance or high five!
- Practice throughout the day (like every time you go up or down the stairs).
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Stand in place and take a deep breath together before you start counting.
ENGAGE
- “Can you count each floor square as you step on it?”
- “I noticed you only took one step but you said two numbers. Can you start again and try counting more slowly?”
ENCOURAGE
- This is a harder skill than counting out loud in the right order. Don’t worry if your child hasn’t mastered it yet!
- If your child gets frustrated, remind them that their brain is getting stronger by practicing.
REFLECT
- Where else might be a good place to count steps? (school, train station, grocery store)
Not Quite Ready
Try counting 3 steps instead of 5
Ready for More
At the end, ask your child “how many” total steps they took. If they’d like more of a challenge, try counting 10 steps with one-to-one correspondence.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will count only one step at a time and stop counting with the correct total (for amounts up to 5).
Time to Complete
5 minutes
Materials Needed
Something to step on that can be counted (stairs, floor tiles, stepping stones)