One-to-one correspondence
Last updated
One-to-one correspondence is matching exactly one number word to each object counted, so every item is counted once.
Topic: Math instruction
In plain terms
Young children often recite numbers faster than they touch objects, or count some objects twice. One-to-one correspondence is the skill of coordinating the count with the objects. Together with knowing that the last number said tells how many (cardinality), it is a foundation for all later math, including addition and money skills.
How it shows up in an IEP
Goals target counting sets of a stated size accurately: "will count sets of up to 10 objects with one-to-one correspondence and state the total in 4 of 5 trials." Moving objects into a "counted" pile is a common support that can be faded.
Example
A preschooler touches and moves each of 7 blocks while counting, then answers "How many?" with "seven" without recounting.
Related terms
- Number senseNumber sense is an intuitive understanding of numbers, their sizes, their relationships and how they change when combined.
- Functional mathFunctional math is the practical math used in daily life, such as handling money, telling time, measuring and following a schedule.
- Preschool special educationPreschool special education is special education and related services for eligible children ages 3 through 5 under IDEA Part B.
- CRA (concrete-representational-abstract)CRA is a teaching sequence that moves from hands-on objects to drawings to numbers and symbols, so students understand math before working abstractly.
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