Numbers & Counting
Activity Summary
Use this storybook guide with the book “Fish Eyes.”
Many public libraries have this book.
Reading guide
About the Story
Each page of “Fish Eyes” introduces a different number of bright, colorful fish. Children can describe the different features of the fish and count their eyes to find out how many are on the page. A little brown fish also introduces the idea of simple addition
Words to Learn
NUMBER WORDS AND SYMBOLS
one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
DESCRIPTIVE WORDS
green, jumping, striped, spotted, fantailed, flipping, skinny, flashy, darting
About the Math
Children can practice counting and simple addition in Fish Eyes. While reading the story, your child can learn:
- Each fish is counted only once and each fish is matched with only one number.
- The last number of fish we count tells us the total number of fish.
- How to read the numerals 1, 2, 3, etc., and how to connect these symbols to the number of fish they represent.
- When we add the little brown fish, we get one more than the total number of colorful fish.
Math Talk During Reading
- WHEN YOU COUNT THE NUMBER OF FISH, STRESS THE LAST NUMBER YOU COUNT
One, two, three, FOUR. There are FOUR striped fish. - POINT TO THE WRITTEN NUMBER WHEN READING THE NUMBER WORD
There are seven flipping fish. This is the number 7. - TALK ABOUT THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF THE FISH
Which fish is the longest? Which fish is the shortest? How do you know? - PRACTICE ADDING ONE MORE
If we add the little brown fish, how many fish will we have altogether?
Try to come up with some of your own questions and comments, too!
Activity After Reading
- EXPLORE COUNTING EVERYDAY OBJECTS AT HOME AND HAVE CHILDREN SHOW THE NUMBER ON THEIR FINGERS
How many crayons are there? Can you show me the number of crayons using your fingers?
Download this activity
English version
Download the Storybook Guide