Compare two groups of objects, saying when they have the same number Show an interest in number problems

Separate a group of three or four objects in different ways, beginning to recognise that the total is still the same Show interest by sustained construction activity or by talking about shapes or arrangements

Use shapes appropriately for tasks

Begin to talk about the shapes of everyday objects

Find the total number of items in two groups by counting all of them

Use own methods to solve a problem

Say with confidence the number that is one more than a given number

In practical activities and discussion begin to use the vocabulary involved in adding and subtracting

Use language such as ‘more’ or ‘less’ to compare two numbers

Find one more or one less than a number from one to 10

Begin to relate addition to combining two groups of objects and subtraction to ‘taking away’

Use some number names and number language spontaneously

Show curiosity about numbers by offering comments or asking questions Use some number names accurately in play

Recognise groups with one, two or three objects

Count up to three or four objects by saying one number name for each item

Recognise some numerals of personal significance

Begin to represent numbers using fingers, marks on paper or pictures

Recognise numerals 1 to 5, then 1 to 9

Count out up to six objects from a larger group

Count actions or objects that cannot be moved

Select the correct numeral to represent 1 to 5, then 1 to 9, objects

Begin to count beyond 10

Say and use number names in order in familiar contexts

Count reliably up to 10 everyday objects Recognise numerals 1 to 9

Use developing mathematical ideas and methods to solve practical problems

Show an interest in shape and space by playing with shapes or making arrangements with objects

Show awareness of similarities in shapes in the environment

Observe and use positional language Use size language such as ‘big’ and ‘little’ Match some shapes by recognizing similarities and orientation

Show curiosity and observation by talking about shapes, how they are the same or why some are different

Find items from positional/directional clues

Order two items by length or height

Select a particular named shape

Begin to use mathematical names for ‘solid’ 3D shapes and ‘flat’ 2D shapes and mathematical terms to describe shapes

Show awareness of symmetry

Order two items by weight or capacity

Use language such as ‘greater’, ‘smaller’, ‘heavier’ or ‘lighter’ to compare quantities Use everyday words to describe position

Use developing mathematical ideas and methods to solve practical problems Use language such as ‘circle’ or ‘bigger’ to describe the shape and size of solids and flat shapes

Talk about, recognise and recreate simple patterns