Cardinality…what is it and what does it look like?

If you’re not a kindergarten teacher you might be left shrugging your shoulders if someone asked you to define cardinality. Before students can own the idea of cardinality, they need to have an understanding of one-to-one counting.

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So now you know what it is, here’s an example of a 4-year-old working to gain an understanding of cardinality…

 

If you’re not familiar with cardinality you expect this little guy to say “seven”. Especially after he’s counted and I’ve repeatedly ask him “how many are there?”

But nope, he’s not quite ready.

Be the teacher… 

What activities and/or suggestions can you offer to help me move this little guy from 1-to-1 counting to cardinality?

Please share you thoughts in the comments.  My hope is that by sharing this video parents can begin to look for and promote cardinality at home before students get to kindergarten.