TDSB Mathematics for Families & Caregivers

One-to-One Correspondence

Overview

One-to-one correspondence is the idea that each object being counted must be given one count and only one count.

In the early stages, it is useful for students to tag or touch each item as they count it and move it out of the way as it is counted. Students must be able to rote count using stable order before they can use one-to-one correspondence.

One-to-one correspondence is an important principle because it helps children count things accurately and understand the relationship between numbers and the things they represent.

While students are learning the counting principles, these principles, such as one-to-one correspondence, are important foundational skills that must be consolidated into a strong understanding. You will find that many of the counting principles are interconnected. Once students have a solid understanding of the counting principles, many of them will become key ideas that support students as they develop addition/subtraction strategies for learning mathematics.

Supporting Students with One-to-One Correspondence

To support students learning to use one-to-one correspondence, encourage students to tag or touch each item as they count and move it away as it is counted. Educators should model and provide opportunities to use one-to-one correspondence throughout the school day.

Games to Promote One-to-One Correspondence

Counting Board Game

This game provides an opportunity for students to practice one-to-one correspondence in a game. They will take turns rolling a die then moving on a game board. First to get to the end is the winner!

Counting Board Game instructions (English)

Counting Board Game (BLM) (English)

Fill the Tower (version 1)

This game provides an opportunity for students to practice one-to-one correspondence in a game. They will take turns rolling a die then filling their towers. It's a race to see who can fill all their towers first!

Fill the Towers (version 1) game instructions (English)

Fill the Towers board (BLM) (English)

Fill the Towers board (BLM) (French)

Shake & Spill to 10

This game provides an opportunity for students to practice one-to-one correspondence in a game. They will take turns shaking all the counters, then spilling them into the bin. Each player will count the counters in their assigned colours to get points!

Shake & Spill to 10 game instructions (English)

Shake & Spill Ten-Frames (BLM) (English)

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