As your child tries to count out the correct number of chocolate chips, he or she has to successfully perform the following steps:

• First, your child must understand that the number selected represents the total number of chocolate chips that need to be counted out.
• Then, the child must be able to add 1 to the running total as each additional chip is added.
• While adding the chocolate chips, your child must remember the number he or she is trying to reach.
• After each chocolate chip is added, your child must compare the number of chips with the goal number.

As you can see, being able to count out the right number of chocolate chips is more involved than simply being able to “count” from 1 to 10. Watch carefully as your child tries to count out the right number of chocolate chips, and you’ll be able to help them with the particular skill they need to develop.