Help! What does one-to-one correspondence mean?

I get it.

Here we are at the parent/teacher conference hearing all these new math buzz words that we need to help our children practice at home.

But what exactly is one-to-one correspondence, and how can I help my child at home?

I am here, and happy to help simplify the confusion.

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What is the meaning of one-to-one correspondence?

Simply put, one-to-one means the child is able to match one object to the number name when counting.

It is helpful to touch each object as it is counted.

There is a difference between counting and understanding what the numbers stand for.

Counting is one of the first concepts to master.

You will notice that your preschooler can count reasonably early on and that counting has to do with memorization. 

What is going on with one-to-one correspondence is quantity.

Quantity understands the concept of how many. 

My preschooler will match each number name with the apple as he brings his marker along the path.

My preschooler is also learning math hands-on! We need to encourage more of this with our early learners.

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At what age is one-to-one correspondence?

Since I was able to sit with my three-year-old, I was also able to get some inside scoop on how he thinks as he counts.

But behind the scenes my three-year-old practicing counting along with holding his marker steady.

He thought it was hysterical to find loops and changes in the path.

And guess what?

He is three. This is what three-year-olds do. 

Let’s not expect mastery, but exposure.

Here, I was exposing him to these important skills: 

• Counting

• One-to-one correspondence (touching as he counts)

• Fine motor grip

• Steady hand

• Hand-eye coordination

• Left to right progression

• Prewriting with lines

All of the skills above will slowly build on top of one another to see growth. Allow a little flexibility and listen to how your preschooler thinks.

The super-simple supply list: 

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Let’s set up this one-to-one correspondence activity!

• Add a row of dot stickers.

• Add stems and a leaf.

• Write the number on each apple.

• Invite your preschooler to connect the dots!

Prompt more math thinking by saying phrases such as:

How old are you? Can you find it on your Apple Dot-to-Dot? Show me.

Let’s move our finger from one all the way to the last sticker. We can count together.

Wow, this group has 9 apples and the green group has 12. Which number is larger?

Your preschooler may or may not know this answer, but it will begin to put the vocabulary in their memory bank.