2025 Kansas MTSS & Alignment Symposium

Counting may seem simple, but for young children, it's a surprisingly complex and critical milestone in building number sense. In this interactive session, participants will step into the shoes of early learners through a playful counting simulation, then dive into the five foundational principles of counting. Using real classroom examples and student thinking, we’ll explore how to recognize different developmental phases, uncover common misconceptions, and identify rich opportunities to deepen children’s conceptual understanding. Walk away with practical strategies and routines to support every young counter in your classroom.