A study examined counting patterns in preschool children aged 4-5 years old. The study sought to identify common counting patterns, differences between boys and girls, and errors made. Researchers observed 180 children across public and private preschools in Sri Lanka. Most children could count to 6 correctly but lost sequence thereafter, and some skipped numbers like 7 and 9. Boys and girls showed similar patterns, though boys were slightly more likely to count without sequence. Over 70% counted correctly while 19.4% counted without order and 6.7% did not answer. Pronunciation of number words also needed improvement for some children.

1. A study on counting patterns in preschool children (4-5 years old) Mr.T.Mukunthan Ms. D.M.W.Munasinghe Mr.P.Senevirathne Dept. Early Childhood and Primary Education The Open University of Sri Lanka

6. Population Target population for the study comprised preschool children. Representative sample was selected from the Western province.

7. Sample Town/ urban council (1 per district) Non- Government Organization (2 per district) Private (3 per district) Total Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Colombo 05 05 10 10 15 15 30 30 Gampaha 05 05 10 10 15 15 30 30 Kalutara 05 05 10 10 15 15 30 30 Total 15 15 30 30 45 45 90 90

10. Is there any difference of counting numbers between boys and girls? Responses Gender Number of Children % Count with a sequence Boys 65 36.11% Girls 68 37.77% Count without sequence Boys 21 11.66% Girls 14 7.77% Did not Count Boys 04 2.22% Girls 08 4.44%

11. What are the errors children made in the pre-school years? Response Number of Children Percentage Count correctly 133 73.88% Count without order 35 19.43% Not answered 12 6.66%

12. Counting with objects Response Number of Students Percentage count correctly 96 53.33% count wrongly 72 40% Not answered 12 6.67%

13. Pronunciation of number words Response Number of Children % Pronounce correctly 118 65.56 Did not pronounce correctly 50 27.77 Not answered 12 6.67