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Count the Ducks

Ducks swim onto the pond one at a time. Pupils tap each duck to count it, then choose how many. After a wrong try the game says “let’s count them together” and counts every duck out loud, one by one. It follows the counting principles from NCETM Mastering Number: numbers in order, touch each duck once, and the last number is how many.

For EYFS–KS1. About 5 minutes. Number & thinking. Low sensory, no reading needed, works without sound.

What pupils practise

• Say the numbers in order when counting
• Touch each duck once, and only once, as you count
• Know the last number you say is how many there are
• See small groups of up to 5 without counting (subitising)

Tips for teachers

• Count along out loud with the class as the ducks arrive.
• Use tidy rows to see “five and two more”. Scattered ducks are harder to count.
• Try All together with up to 5 ducks to practise seeing how many at a glance.
• Ask “how do you know?” after each answer.

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