Counting · Ages 5–6
8 or 9?
Does your child get “9” when there are 8? To count, they have to do everything at once: say the numbers in order, point to one object for each number, and remember which ones they’ve already counted. It’s not necessarily carelessness. This free printable suggests questions instead of corrections, and pictures to count by marking each one: the bus seen from above, toys in a jumble, stuffed animals in a circle.
Download the printable (PDF, 2 pages)US Letter size. Print single-sided, at 100% (actual size). Black and white is fine.
Page 1, for you
- Why a child may get “9” when there are 8.
- The key idea, in a simple diagram: one number for each object, each counted just once; the last number you say tells you how many there are.
- Three questions to ask instead of correcting.
- Safety: toys too large to fit in a child’s mouth, and the table game before the food is served.
- How to do page 2 together, with no reading needed.
- Notes to read after your child has checked, and a cut-out slip to play again a few days later.
Page 2, for your child
- A page with no text: only the numbers 1 to 10, to circle the answer.
- At the top, Tika counted one passenger twice (“5,” then “9”).
- Four pictures: the bus from above, toys in a jumble, stuffed animals in a circle, and Lucie’s sign.
- For the first three, your child marks each object as they count it, then circles the number they found; for the sign, they color as many seats as the number shown.
Our videos for parents
This printable goes with the “8 or 9?” episode of “Understand the concept,” our video series for parents. Watch the episode on Ludip’s YouTube channel.
Watch the “8 or 9?” episodeLudip: Math & Science Stories
Ludip is a collection of math and science comic series for kids. Every episode tells a story around one concept to understand, then activities invite your child to explore it through play. Ludip is coming to iPhone, iPad and Android.
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