Materials
egg cartons
muffin tins
cookie sheets
playdough
tools to use with playdough: plastic knives, rolling pins, measuring spoons and cookie cutters
small objects, such as beads, buttons, small cars, and so on
Instructions
* Discuss the concept of one dozen with the children.
* Show the children a dozen eggs, a dozen donuts, a cupcake baking tray with
12 cupcake holders, and so on.
What to Do
1. Count out 12 items for each egg carton and muffin tin.
2. Ask the children to fill the egg cartons and tins with a dozen (12) items.
3. Allow the children to search the room for a dozen items to place in the carton
or tins, such as beads, buttons, small cars, and so on.
4. Ask the children to make a dozen "cookies" using playdough.
Teacher - to - Teacher Tip
* It is important to incorporate everyday items and environmental print into the
conversation. For example, "a dozen eggs," "a dozen donuts," "a dozen
cupcakes," and so on. Many items are packaged in "half dozen" or six-packs,
such as yogurt, soft drinks, and bottled water. Invite the children to share and
show their own ideas with the rest of the class.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
* Are the children interested in counting or just happy to mold and pound the
playdough?
* Are the children taking part in conversation?
* Are the children ready, willing, and able to cooperate and share the items on
the table?
* Are the children showing signs of moving on to more advanced counting?
