Knock And Count

What you need

• a table or door to knock on

How to do it

1. Knock twice on the table and count as you go: 'one, two'.
2. Hold out your hands and let them knock back.
3. Count their knocks out loud, whatever number they land on.
4. Try three knocks, then one, then go back to two.

Why it matters

Knocks are quick and easy to hear, so each number gets its own clear sound.

What they're learning

Counting sounds

Each knock is one sound and one number, said together.

Copying

Watching your knocks and making their own is an early turn-taking game.

Listening

Stopping to hear the knocks tunes their ear to short, separate sounds.

What to look for

Watch for them stopping after the same number of knocks you did, even if it happens by chance.

A tip

A hollow door or a wooden table sounds best; keep your count slow so each knock gets its own number.

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