Make a tiny delivery station
Set out three large, age-appropriate blocks or soft toys and two open containers within easy reach. These are your delivery station and Bouncer’s pretend house. You can draw a puppy on paper to mark the house, or simply choose a spot. Leave a clear space between the containers. There is no need to run, balance a tray or carry a heavy box. A seated delivery works just as well.
Give every parcel its own number
Ask for one parcel. Touch it as you say “one,” then move it to the house. Try a delivery of two parcels next, touching each one once while you count. After the last object, say the total again: “Two parcels arrived.” Mix up the objects and repeat when your child wants another go. If several get touched at once, slow down and move each one across a small gap as it is counted.
Ages 2–3: one parcel, then another
Begin with one or two objects. Give a simple choice: “Should we take this one or that one?” Count the selected object and enjoy the delivery. Your child can point while you move it, or place it themselves. Try the words “one more” when adding a second parcel. Avoid making a large pile just because the child can recite a long number sequence; the small delivery is enough for a complete game.
Ages 4–6: become the delivery planner
Offer up to five large objects if your child wants more. Draw a simple order with three large dots, then match one parcel to each dot. Count to check the delivery together. Change the arrangement into a row or a little cluster and ask how many arrived. Let your child make an order for you and check your attempt. An intentionally missing parcel can start a playful question: “What could we add so every dot has one?”
Add a friendly story
Perhaps Bouncer is setting up a pretend picnic, or Edmund needs blocks for a tiny bridge. Let your child choose the reason for the delivery. Ask who needs a parcel next and whether there are enough for each pretend guest. Keep the people and puppies imaginary, using paper marks or toys instead of food or small counters. The story can change without changing the counting rule: touch or move each object once.
Connect with the train adventure
The Train That Kept Trying includes counting three train cars. Watch that story on YouTube with a grown-up, then see whether your own three parcels could become a pretend train. You can also visit Little Block Builders on this website and count the pieces as they appear. End by returning the parcels one at a time. Notice the effort your child made, and leave the next delivery for another day.
Grown-up questions
How many objects should we use?
Start with one or two large objects. Try three, then up to five when your child wants a bigger delivery.
What if my child says numbers faster than they touch the objects?
Slow the game together. Move one object across a little gap for each number you say, then repeat the total at the end.