Math Strategy: What is 'Counting 3 Times'?

What is ‘Counting 3 Times’?:

Math Strategy: when a child is asked to add two sets of numbers, they count the first set, count the second set. Finally, they put the two sets together and count again from one.

Math strand: Number Sense and Numeration


English video:



French version:



Overview:

Counting 3 (compter 3 fois)times is a strategy students use who do not have conservation of number (do not understand that a set of objects equals a certain quantity without recounting them again). They do not trust their count.


Where To Next:
Counting three times is early on in the continuum of numeracy and development for addition and subtraction.

Children generally make a natural shift from this strategy to a more efficient one. If you are seeing a student who is ‘counting 3 times’, their next step is to ‘count on’ from one of the quantities (compter à partir d’un nombre).

Activities that promote ‘counting on’ can be found in the texts, “What to Look For” by Alex Lawson, page 162 and “Number Talks” by Sherry Parrish (pages 98-106). Also check out la Guide d’enseignement efficace des mathématiques, de la maternelle à la 3e année – Numération et sens du nombre page 95 (http://www.atelier.on.ca/edu/resources/guides/GEE_math_M_3_NSN.pdf)

The games from “What to Look For” by Alex Lawson are also available in French through the eText!

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