Set up a table covered with unusual and interesting objects that children can hold, feel, touch, closely examine and count. Change the objects often and this will give children experience of counting a small collection of objects as well as estimating and comparing how many objects are in a large collection.
Put the things on the table in different sized containers with and without lids, as well as shallow trays and see-through plastic jars and small tins. Add on to the table magnifying lenses, mirrors, post-it notes, wooden numerals and a number track.
Invite the children to come and count, for example, six shiny buttons, three small elephants, ten glitter pens, eight red dice and five beans.