ABSTRACT
In order to be able to spot patterns and to generalise learners will need extensive early experience of matching and sorting. They need to be able to identify what is the same and what is different when comparing two objects. Initially people can ask learners to sort a collection of objects according to a specific criterion, such as size or shape. Initially we want to make sure that the items are similar in every respect apart from the sorting criteria. When people learn to count they need to develop a mental image and appreciation of numerical quantity and then match that to the symbol for that quantity. Following on from counting collections of objects, learners can now focus on how numbers can be represented. This can help to develop their understanding of number as well as developing counting principles such as cardinality, 1:1 correspondence and conservation of number.
