Abstract Counting: Supporting Mathematical Development in Young Children

Very young children like to count things that they can see and touch. As they get older, they become more comfortable with abstract counting, or the idea that they can count things that aren't right in front of them. In this video, Dr. Sudha Swaminathan describes the importance of providing children ample opportunities to manipulate tangible objects while developing counting skills. This foundational understanding eventually leads to their ability to engage in abstract counting.

This video is part of a series describing children's early mathematical development and providing examples of how early childhood professionals can both explicitly teach math skills and support their development through daily routines and play. See the entire series and resources for using the videos in professional development at: https://www.easternct.edu/center-for-....

Copyright 2016 by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. Produced by the Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut State University. This video may only be used for educational purposes. It may not be used for commercial purposes and may not be edited or adapted without written permission from the Center for Early Childhood Education. For more information, visit https://www.easternct.edu/center-for-...