Counting Objects Overview
The Counting Objects test assesses a student's ability to count a set of dots with one-on-one correspondence, and his/her ability to recognize that the last number counted in a sequence represents the overall quantity.
Research shows that knowledge of the verbal counting sequence grows systematically during preschool years, and by ages 4 or 5, most children have developed an initial counting schema. This schema enables children to accurately count a small set of objects (e.g., dots) and determine how many objects are in the set. When children are able to determine that the last number in a count sequence represents the total quantity of objects in the set, it also indicates that they have an understanding of the cardinal word principle. Difficulty with counting has been linked with mathematical difficulties as counting is viewed as a gateway to other number sense skills.
Counting Objects is designed for screening. Progress monitoring is not available.
The earlyMath English - Counting Objects sub-assessment is available in Braille.
Test Construction.
Five items consisting of 4, 7, 10, 12, and 15 ordered dot configurations were created. The number of dots per item was decided using the following guidelines: a number less than 5, a number between 5 and 9, the number 10, a number between 11 and 14, and a number between 15 and 20. All configurations consist of solid black dots, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Permanently positioned dots on a page were used instead of manipulatives in order to observe whether or not the student skipped or re-counted any of the dots. Students are asked to count each of the dots and are subsequently asked, “How many?”
To administer this assessment for the purpose of universal screening:
- Log in to the FastBridge system as a teacher.
- Go to the Screening tab.
- Select the earlyMath English assessment.
- Select the CO column from the earlyMath English Screening page.
Here is what the teacher sees when administering the earlyMath English - Counting Objects subtest.
For more information about the earlyMath English - Counting Objects subtest complete the online earlyMath English course found in the Training & Resources section of the FastBridge system.
To do so, navigate to the Training & Resources tab, and click on the earlyMath English course tile.
Then select the Counting Objects option on the vertical menu. Complete Lessons 1 through 8 in order to certify in the earlyMath English Counting Objects subtest.