What do we understand by "being able to count"? Think about the following situation before you answer.

Example 1: Three year-old Mini could recite numbers from I to 20 in the correct sequence. Once, her grandmother asked .her to get twelve buttons from the heap of buttons lying in the drawer. Mini 'counted' till 12 as she picked up the buttons and handed them over. Her grandmother counted the buttons.

There were seven in all. She asked Mini to check whether she had really given Slier 12 buttons. Mini 'counted' again and said, "No, they are fifteen." Do you think Mini knows how to count? (Remember, she can recite number names in correct sequence from 1 to 20.)

Why do you think Mini could not pick up twelve buttons correctly?

Having reflected on these questions, try out the following activity with a four-year-old child in your family or neighbourhood.