Object x concrete quantity - whole objects (4x4): Counting animals

Object x concrete quantity – complete objects (4x4): Counting animals

How many lions, elephants, monkeys and giraffes can you see? In this interactive matrix activity, preschoolers learn to recognise, count and sort animals in a double-entry table. The activity consists of a 4x4 matrix in which children must consider two features each time: the type of animal and the quantity. They drag each image to the correct cell, playfully combining observation, counting and logical thinking.

The rows contain four different animals: a lion, an elephant, a monkey and a giraffe. The columns indicate how many animals should appear in the image: 1, 2, 3 or 4. For example, children look for the cell where the lion and the number 3 meet and place the image with three lions there. In this way, they discover step by step how a double-entry table works.

This 4x4 matrix activity develops logical thinking and the ability to organise information. Children must look at and combine two features at the same time. They learn to compare, classify, identify relationships and systematically search for the correct position in the matrix. This provides an important foundation for later mathematical thinking and problem-solving.

Early numeracy skills are also practised extensively. Preschoolers count concrete quantities from 1 to 4 and match each quantity to the correct column. Because complete animals are visible, children can point to and count each animal individually. In this clear and visual way, they practise counting, understanding quantities and linking a number to a concrete set.

Language development also plays an important role in this free educational app. Thanks to spoken support, children hear the names of the animals, quantities and instructions. Words such as lion, elephant, monkey, giraffe, one, two, three and four are repeated in a meaningful context. By looking, listening, counting and acting at the same time, children understand and remember new vocabulary more effectively.

The activity also contributes to children's understanding of the world around them. Preschoolers recognise and name different animals and learn to look carefully at their typical shapes and characteristics. The familiar animal theme makes the activity engaging and encourages children to independently explore where each image belongs.

Thanks to the simple drag-and-drop controls, children also practise their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and digital skills. Correctly dragging the images to the 16 cells of the matrix requires careful observation and purposeful movement. The app is suitable for use on tablets, computers, interactive whiteboards and other digital learning environments.

This educational matrix activity is ideal for preschool teachers, support teachers, parents and caregivers who want to work playfully on double-entry tables, counting animals, quantities from 1 to 4, logical thinking, classification, comparison, early maths concepts, vocabulary development, listening skills and digital literacy.

Let preschoolers discover through play where each group of animals belongs and help them step by step to combine two features at the same time. In this way, they build a strong foundation for counting, logical reasoning, organising and understanding simple matrix structures.

In the online logbook, parents and teachers can easily review afterwards which apps were used and which results were achieved.

Learning goals

• Logical and mathematical thinking
  • Compare objects and images based on observable properties.
  • Recognize and distinguish properties such as color, shape, size, pattern, object, character, emotion, orientation and direction of movement.
  • Classify and organize images based on one or more characteristics.
  • Recognize and use similarities and differences between images to make a choice.
  • Take two criteria into account simultaneously: a row criterion and a column criterion.
  • Determine which image matches the combination of two given properties.
  • Establish logical relationships between row criteria, column criteria and the corresponding cells of a table.
  • Systematically examine and complete a double-entry table.
  • Solve a simple mathematical problem by comparing, combining and applying information.
  • Check a chosen solution based on the given properties.
  • Handle increasing complexity in 2 × 2, 3 × 3 and 4 × 4 tables.
• Classifying and organizing
  • Group images based on a common characteristic.
  • Take more than one property into account when organizing images.
  • Select an image that belongs to both a specific row and a specific column.
  • Recognize that one image can have multiple properties at the same time.
  • Distinguish relevant characteristics from characteristics that are not important for the task.
  • Adjust a classification when a different criterion is used.
• Spatial orientation and structuring
  • Navigate within a grid with rows, columns and individual cells.
  • Understand the relationship between a row, a column and their intersection.
  • Place an image in the correct position within a two-dimensional structure.
  • Purposefully compare and distinguish positions within a grid.
  • Functionally use and understand concepts such as above, below, left, right, row, column and cell.
  • Navigate a visual structure clearly and systematically.
• Number sense
  • Recognize and distinguish concrete quantities.
  • Match quantities with appropriate number representations or numerals when these are used as a criterion.
  • Relate different representations of the same quantity to one another.
  • Compare and classify number representations, numerals and concrete quantities.
  • Use numerical properties as a criterion within a double-entry table.
• Visual perception and pattern recognition
  • Focus on characteristics of images and distinguish details from one another.
  • Visually recognize and compare shapes, colors, sizes, patterns and orientations.
  • Recognize regularity and recurring characteristics within rows and columns.
  • Analyze visual information to determine which image belongs in a particular position.
  • Focus attention on multiple visual characteristics simultaneously.
• Language development
  • Expand vocabulary related to properties such as color, shape, size, pattern, direction, quantity and position.
  • Understand concepts used to describe similarities and differences.
  • Understand simple oral instructions related to classifying, comparing and placing.
  • Name and describe properties of objects and images.
  • Explain why an image belongs to a particular combination of characteristics.
  • Functionally use mathematical concepts such as row, column, cell, same, different, larger, smaller, above, below, left and right.
• Problem-solving and independent thinking
  • Approach a task step by step and use an appropriate problem-solving strategy.
  • Examine the characteristics before placing an image.
  • Check a choice based on both criteria.
  • Recognize an error and adjust a solution when an image does not meet both conditions.
  • Analyze and solve a double-entry table with increasing independence.
  • Maintain attention and concentration during a multi-step task.
• Digital literacy
  • Use a digital application purposefully.
  • Perform drag-and-drop actions to place images in the correct cell of a grid.
  • Use digital feedback to check a solution and adjust it if necessary.
  • Work independently or with guidance on an interactive mathematical exercise.
• Motor development
  • Practice fine motor skills by purposefully dragging and dropping images.
  • Strengthen hand-eye coordination when using a mouse, touchscreen or interactive whiteboard.
  • Accurately place an image within a defined cell of a grid.
  • Act purposefully and with control within a digital environment.

QR code

You can use the downloadable QR code below to navigate directly to this app.