As adults we assume counting is something our child naturally picks up or automatically knows after a set period of time. After all, we have no recollection of how we learned to count. We just know how to do it and assume eventually our child will learn to do it just as well.
When a child recites numbers out loud, we often use it as an assessment of their number knowledge. However, it does not always provide an accurate measure of the child’s complete understanding of each individual number they recite.
Jump to:
- What are the 5 Counting Principles?
- What is the Stable Order Principle?
- 5 Easy Activities to Teach Stable Order Principle
- Stable-order Activity 4: Number walk with chalk
- Stable-order Activity 5: Hide and Peek
- More Helpful Information about Stable Order Counting Principle
- What’s Next After Learning the Stable Order Principle?
What are the 5 Counting Principles?
In 1978, psychologists Dr. Rochel Gelman and Dr. Randy Gallistel introduced five counting principles that would help ensure proper counting: stable order, one-to-one correspondence, cardinality, abstraction, and order irrelevance.
In this article, I will explain the first principle of counting, stable-order, and explain what it looks like when a child grasps the concept and when they struggle with it. I will also share five simple and engaging activities that will help promote stable-order principle.
What is the Stable Order Principle?
In order for a child to count correctly, they must follow the stable order principle which states the order of the counting words “one” “two” “three” etc, must follow the same unchanging sequence each time we count.
The items that need to be counted can be placed in a straight line or scattered, but the counting sequence remains stable regardless of how we count them.
If four objects are placed in front of a child who understands stable-order, they will know the words “one” “two” “three” and “four” and use those words in the same sequence every time they count the objects.
A child struggling with the stable-order counting principle might know the words “one” “two” “three” and “four” but will not use them in the correct sequence as they count.
Related: To build a strong foundation for early math, find out more about Number Sense.
5 Easy Activities to Teach Stable Order Principle
Stable-order Activity 1: Sing songs
One of the best ways to learn number names is by singing fun songs with your child. These are some of our favorites counting songs:
- “The Ants Go Marching”
- “Five Little Ducks”
- “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe”
- “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed”
- “Ten in the Bed”
A great tip to help you stay consistent is to incorporate singing these songs during your child’s morning or evening routine. When it comes time for them to count, they will now know the words they need to use or can recite the song if they need to remember the right number name.
Stable-order Activity 2: Read counting books
Make counting an adventure by introducing your child to exciting and engaging counting books. Here are some good counting books to add to your home library:
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- Riley the Rhinoceros Crashes Into the Trees by Fynn Sor
- Ten Apples Up on Top! by Dr. Suess
- Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth
- Nibbles Numbers by Emma Yarlett
- 20 Big Trucks in the Middle of the Street by Mark Lee
Stable-order Activity 3: Model counting
Do not underestimate the power of modeling how to count explicitly for your child. Grab some of their favorite small toys and place them in a line with ample space between each item. Before you demonstrate how to count, have your child go first as a simple assessment to see what they already know.
When you count, touch each toy and say each number clearly. Also, because we assume it’s an easy skill to pick up we tend to count fast, so make sure to slow down.. After you do it, have your child practice and see how far they get. For an added challenge, scatter the objects before you count them.
Or use this Pouch Cap Flower Counting Box to reinforce the number names and order. Invite your child to push the pouch caps into the box and count along slowly with your child.
Stable-order Activity 4: Number walk with chalk
For kids who like to move around when they learn, a number walk is perfect. Write the numbers 1-10 outside on your driveway or sidewalk. Connect the numbers in order to form a walking path. Start with 1 and have your child walk the path and say each number as they land on it. You can also have your child walk backwards on the path while they practice counting backwards.
Stable-order Activity 5: Hide and Peek
This activity is great for helping your child remember the order of the numbers. Write 1-5 on sticky notes and place them on a vertical surface. Next, cover each number with a blank sticky note. Have your child “take a peek” under each blank sticky note to find 1.
Next, have them look for 2 through 5. After they find all of the numbers, see if they can uncover them in order.
If you're looking for more ways to practice the stable order principle with your child, I highly recommend that you check out these 10 Easy Counting Activities!
Related: Download this Counting Hearts printable to help your toddler learn to count from 1 to 5!
More Helpful Information about Stable Order Counting Principle
The stable order of counting refers to the fixed sequence of numbers that we use when counting. The stable order of counting starts with the number 1 and continues in ascending order, adding 1 to the previous number each time. The stable order of counting is: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and so on. It provides a consistent and predictable way to count and understand the quantity of objects or numbers in a sequence.
Counting numbers in ascending order is an example of stable order. Starting from 1 and continuing with 2, 3, 4, and so on, each number follows the previous one in a predictable and unchanging manner. Similarly, the alphabetical order of letters is another example of stable order, where letters are arranged in a fixed sequence from A to Z. Stable order provides a reliable and consistent framework for organizing and understanding the world around us.
The stable order of counting is important because it ensures that counting is done in a consistent and predictable manner. It allows us to follow a standard sequence when counting objects, numbers, or even steps in a process. Stable-order also helps us to communicate and convey information about quantity or progression effectively. For example, if you say "I have three apples," people understand that you're referring to a specific quantity because they are familiar with the stable order of counting.
What’s Next After Learning the Stable Order Principle?
Understanding the stable-order principle is key to setting your child up for success when it comes to counting. Make sure to stay tuned for the next article as I explain one-to-one correspondence and how it pairs with the stable-order principle for a complete picture of what counting entails. When your child demonstrates how to count successfully, it marks a huge milestone and the beginning of their mathematical journey by setting the foundation for future learning and problem solving.
If you're looking for fun, easy activities for your child, check out these 10 Easy Counting Activities! For parents who are strapped for time, try these Low Prep Number Activities!
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