Learning to count is really hard – there is a lot to think about and get right. It is easy to rush children into counting things before they really understand exactly what they are doing and why

What’s best is to show them counting in a real context when we are getting things done.

Adults are counting things all the time – we just don’t notice it anymore and do it in our heads.

Today’s idea is just to take some of the times during the day when we count things (putting on socks, laying tables, tidying toys, sharing out sprouts) and do it out loud so your child can hear and see – and join in if they can.

If you build this into your regular routine, it can really help with numeracy without having to do any teaching at all.