Egg Carton Counting: Teaching One to One Correspondence

You have come to the right spot for loads of one to one correspondence activities! In fact, we have 20+ FREE one to one correspondence activities for preschoolers and kindergarteners. No matter the season or theme, this critical math skill can be infused through fun math games, hands-on centers, and lots of manipulative play.

One to one correspondence is a critical math skills for preschoolers to grasp. This list of 20+ one to one correspondence activities is perfect any time of the year.

One to one correspondence is the ability to match each member of one set to each member of a second set.  This could happen while setting the table, setting one plate, one fork, and one spoon for each member of the family.  It could mean separating specific amounts of crackers for snacks or giving one ball to each friend. Children learn through real-life experiences and counting games and these counting activities for preschool are nothing short of a blast!

One to one correspondence is a foundational math skill.  A popular activity is called egg carton counting.  Supplies include an empty egg carton, some numbered cards (I used Uno), and some sort of counters.

Invite your child to draw a card and identify its name.  Then have your child count the appropriate number of counters in the egg carton, one counter in each space. Playing with these Uno cards, my child is first learning to count to 5, then we will branch into counting to 10 activities.

one to one correspondence with egg carton

Take care to make sure that only one counter is in each egg compartment.  Hence one to one correspondence.  Have your child practice counting the counters a second time once they are all in the carton. This is for additional practice and helps solidify number sense.

Learning to master one to one correspondence is a critical preschool and kindergarten math skill. This post is full of ideas to help you plan that math skill with fun ideas and little to no prep!

FAQs About Teaching Counting

How do you teach preschoolers to count?

Preschoolers learn to count through practice. That practice can happen naturally through everyday activities and through playing. Hands on counting activities for preschoolers are a must for additional practice, as well as sensory counting activities and even some worksheets, like counting bear worksheets that are so popular.

How do you practice one to one correspondence in counting?

One-to-one correspondence is the understanding that each item is counted only once and one at a time. For example, when counting a set of counting bears, the child does not count any one bear twice and does not count any bear with another, assigning the same number.

Practice should include lots of modeling by the teacher, and practicing small quantities first.

What are some other math activities for preschoolers?

Preschool math is divided into five disciplines. Those disciplines are: number sense, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability. Preschool math instruction should include math activities in all five disciplines.

Favorite Books about Counting

Infusing opportunities to count and learn more about numbers is a great way to help young children develop their math skills. Check out our list below of some of our favorite counting books for preschool and kindergarten!

20+ One to One Correspondence Activities

20+ One to One Correspondence Activities

These one to one correspondence math activities range from counting cards and ten frames to grid games and more! With so many options you are sure to find something to fit your themed lesson plans all year round!

Looking For Great Math Manipulatives?

Learning to count is no easy task, so incorporating these fun and engaging manipulatives are a great way to add excitement and help children understand the concrete concept of one to one correspondence. Take a look at some of our favorites!

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