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This is part of a collation for each learning area of the
Early Learning Goals and Stepping Stones. Click here for the full index

Show an interest in numbers and counting

Use some number names and number language spontaneously

Enjoy joining in with number rhymes and songs

Use mathematical language in play

Compare two groups of objects, saying when they have the same number

Show curiosity about numbers by offering comments or asking questions

Use some number names accurately in play.Willingly attempt to count, with some numbers in the correct order

Recognise groups with one, two or three objects

Show an interest in number problems

Separate a group of three or four objects in different ways, beginning to recognise that the total is still the same

Show confidence with numbers by initiating or requesting number activities

Count up to three or four objects by saying one number name for each item

Recognise some numerals of personal significance.Begin to represent numbers using fingers, marks on paper or pictures

Recognise numerals 1 to 5, then 1 to 9Count out up to six objects from a larger group

Count actions or objects that cannot be movedSelect the correct numeral to represent 1-5 then 1-9, objects

Show increased confidence with numbers by spotting errors

Count an irregular arrangement of up to 10 objects

Say the number after any number up to 9

Begin to count beyond 10

Sometimes show confidence and offer solutions to problems

Find the total number of items in two groups by counting all of them

Use own methods to solve a problem

Say with confidence the number that is one more than a given number

Say and use number names in order in familiar contexts

Count reliably up to 10 everyday objects

Recognise numerals 1 to 9

Use developing mathematical ideas and methods to solve practical problems

In practical activities and discussion begin to use the vocabulary involved in adding and subtracting

Use language such as 'more' or 'less' to compare two numbers

Find one more or one less than a number from one to 10

Begin to relate addition to combining two groups of objects and subtraction to 'taking away'

Show an interest in shape and space by playing with shapes or making arrangements with objects

Show awareness of similarities in shapes in the environment

Observe and use potential languageUse size language such as 'big' and 'little'

Show interest by sustained construction activity by talking about shapes or arrangements

Use shapes appropriately for tasks

Begin to talk about the shapes of everyday objects

Sustain interest for a length of time on a pre-decided construction or arrangement

Match some shapes by recognising similarities and orientation

Use appropriate shapes to make representational models or more elaborate pictures

Show curiosity and observation by talking about shapes, how they are the same or why some are different

Find items from positional/directional clues

Describe a simple journey

Order two items by length or height

Choose suitable components to make a particular model

Adapt shapes or cut material to sizeSelect a particular named shape

Begin to use mathematical names for 'solid' 3D shapes and 'flat' 2D shapes and mathematical terms to describe shapes

Show awareness of symmetry

Order two or three items by length

Order two items by weight or capacity

Instruct a programmable toy

Use language such as 'greater', 'smaller', 'heavier' or 'lighter' to compare quantities

Talk about recognise and recreate simple patterns

Use language such as 'circle' or 'bigger' to describe the shape and size of solids and flat shapes

Use everyday words to describe position

Use developing mathematical ideas and methods to solve practical problems