Attention to early childhood mathematics
instructional strategies has sharpened due to the relatively poor mathematics performance of U.S. students in
comparison to students from other countries and research
evidence that early mathematics skills impact later
achievement. Early Childhood counting skills form the
foundation for subsequent mathematics learning. In this
article, we discuss the milestones of counting development and examine preschool classroom mathematics
observations through the lenses of two CLASS Dimensions, Concept Development and Instructional Learning
Formats. Recommendations for effective instructional
strategies around counting and suggestions for incorporating mathematics instruction into storybook reading are
provided.