Cards and Counters (Odd and Even)

Presentation

1
Have the child mix the cards and lay them out in order 1–10 across the rug, with space between.
2
Under 1, place one counter. Under 2, place two counters side by side.
3
Under 3, place two side by side and the third centered below. Continue so the counters are always in pairs, with any extra counter centered below. Count aloud as you place each one.
4
When all numbers are done, show the empty box: 'None left.'
5
Run a finger down between the pairs under 2: 'My finger goes all the way through. Two is even.' Under 3, the finger is stopped by the single counter: 'Three is odd.'
6
Go through each number with the child, saying 'odd' or 'even'.
7
Three-period lesson on the words odd and even using the layout.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

The child points to all the odd numbers, then all the even numbers.
Guide removes a card while the child's eyes are closed; the child names the missing number.
Count along the even numbers by twos: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.
Write the odd and even numbers in two columns on paper.

Control of error

There are exactly 55 counters (1 + 2 + … + 10); leftovers or a shortfall show a miscount. The pair arrangement makes a single unpaired counter easy to see.

Ready to move on when the child…

Lays cards 1–10 in order without a reference
Places counters in pairs with none left over
Says whether any number 1–10 is odd or even and shows why with the counters

Guide note

Children often place counters in one long row. Model the pairs clearly; the pairs are what show odd and even.