One fewer from 5 to 2: the number before

Kindergarten (ages 5–6)

Count the bananas in the picture, then touch the group that has one less: a girl points to a row of bananas, beside two smaller groups of bananas.

One fewer from 5 to 2: your child counts a group of objects, then chooses the one that has one fewer. Free math game for the last year of preschool.

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Teaching documentation of the game “One fewer (from 5 to 2)”

About this game

Count cups, hamburgers, hams or bananas, then look for the group that has one fewer.

One fewer from 5 to 2: find the number that comes just before

Taking away an object means moving one step back in the number sequence. Before four comes three; before three comes two. This idea takes more effort than “one more”. Indeed, children mostly say the counting rhyme forwards. The game “one fewer from 5 to 2” helps them find the number before.

Each round has five questions. First, a voice asks the child to count the objects in a picture: cups, hamburgers, hams or bananas. There are from two to five. Then the child chooses the group that has one fewer. The hint suggests going back one number, as when counting backwards.

At home, put four cookies on a plate. Then eat one and ask: “How many are left?” Also practice counting backwards before a race: five, four, three, two, one, go! This way, finding the number before becomes a reflex.

This game is for the last year of preschool, around ages 5 and 6. It is free online, on a computer, tablet or phone.

Tip for finding one fewer

First, count the objects in the picture by touching them. For example, you find four. Now go back one number, like a rocket counting down. Before four, you say three. That’s one fewer! Next, look for the group that has three objects. Finally, choose it. You can also fold down one finger.