What and Why

1. Numbers are like Friends:
   • Numbers are like friendly characters (1, 2, 3…) that help us know how many or how much of something we have.
2. Counting is like Saying Hi to Each Friend:
   • When we count, it’s like saying hi to each number friend. “Hi, 1! Hi, 2! Hi, 3!”

Why Do We Need to Count?

1. Counting Toys:
   • We count toys to know how many we have. “Let’s count our toy cars – 1, 2, 3, 4!”
2. Sharing Snacks:
   • When we share snacks, we count to make sure everyone gets some. “Let’s count our cookies – 1 for you, 1 for me!”
3. More or Less Game:
   • Counting helps us play the more or less game. “Do you have more apples or fewer apples?”

Fun Activities:

1. Toy Parade:
   • Arrange toys in a line and have a toy parade, counting each toy as it marches.
2. Snack Sharing:
   • Share snacks with friends, counting out loud as each snack is shared.
3. Jump and Count:
   • Jump and count your jumps. “1 jump, 2 jumps, 3 jumps… how high can you go?”