Once your child can correctly count (enumerate) the number of items in a group, he or she is ready to start producing a given number of items. Moving a game piece a certain number of steps is a great way to practice counting out a number.

The soccer game context gives children a natural motivation to move the ball towards the goal, and since it’s a competitive game, your child will watch closely to make sure you count out the number you roll. You can even “make mistakes” to encourage your child to watch you closely so that they can practice counting out when it’s your turn as well as their turn!