Go on a hunt around your house with your child and look for the following items: spoons, cups, toys, plates.
You will need around 6 of each item.
Once you have found these, place them on a surface – either the floor or a table.
Ask the child: ‘Give me many _____________ (you would then ask for the items that you would like, for examples ‘Give me many spoons’).’
Repeat this process a number of times by using the different items and using the terminology ‘many’ and ‘few.’
Once the child has understood the concept, ask the child to lead the activity.
HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS ACTIVITY MORE CHALLENGING?
Play the game ‘Simon Says’ with the child. For example, ‘Simon says give me many forks.’ This will also support the child’s listening skills as they would not be collecting anything if you did not say ‘Simon Says.’
HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS ACTIVITY EASIER?
If the child does not understand the concept of ‘many’ and ‘few,’ first use the terminology that they might be more familiar with – more, lots, less. Use this terminology first for the main activity and slowly start to ease in the terminology ‘many’ and ‘few’ when the child becomes more confident.
Use the terminology of ‘many’ and ‘few’ in everyday situations. For example, ‘Put a few oranges in the basket.’
