Comments Task A Once the row is split into two smaller parts, Julia is able to count them fairly easily. For the first section, she goes "2 and 2 make four and then 2 makes 6". When asked about the second part she says "2 and 2 and 2 make 6. Then there is 2 more and that is 8". Is she skip counting? It is doubtful as she clearly shows her inability to do so in the first part of the task. So Julia must know that 2 and 2 make 4 from her experience of counting on fingers. Then she is able to add on 2 possibly counting on fingers in her mind.   Back to the main page   Task B Julia does not count in threes or see a pattern. She uses 'count all' and counts from 1 to 9. When she is asked the total number of counters if one more imaginary row is added on, Julia gives the right answer. On further questioning she reveals that she counted on her fingers and knows 3 more make 12.   Back to the main page   Task C Note that Julia starts off by counting 1, 2, 3,Š, then realises she just counted to 20, goes to the last colour on the fourth card, says 20 and then counts five more using her fingers to point at the imaginary card and then says 25. So Julia uses perceptual counting even for concealed items and uses the count all strategy in this task as well.   Back to the main page   Task D Julia's response in this task is very interesting if observed closely. It can be seen that she is trying hard to close her eyes with her hand and use her fingers to count at the same time. She seems relieved when it is suggested that she could use her hands and quickly counts on her fingers 1-2-3-4, 5-6-7-8, 9-10-11-12. Clearly displays perceptual counting once again.   Back to the main page   Task E Once again Julia works out the answer in her mind but uses her fingers. Julia looks at the block with four lego people, then seems to concentrate on her hands and after a pause gives the answer 12. On further probing by the researcher, she shows how she uses her fingers to count from 1 to 12 actually using perceptual counting and count all strategy.   Back to the main page