DFS Dolphin Weekly Update
October 26, 2026
“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.”
-Erich Fromm (1900-1980), Social Psychologist
Let's Talk About Counting, Again
As we begin a new school year, I want to start with something that may seem very simple: counting!
Counting is one of the foundations of mathematical learning and an important way children develop number sense. But counting is more than being able to recite numbers in order. Children need opportunities to count objects, quantities, and numbers, and they need to practice counting correctly and often.
Think about how many opportunities we have to count during an ordinary day. We can count the number of plates we need for dinner, the apples in the refrigerator, the steps as we walk, or the cars that pass by on the road. At the store, children can count items in the cart or compare how many items are in two groups. These simple experiences give children repeated opportunities to think about what numbers actually mean. As children count more and more things, they develop a stronger understanding of quantity and number.
Counting Should Grow With Your Child
The way we practice counting can change as children develop.
- Kindergarteners can practice counting from 1 to 100. Once counting to 100 becomes comfortable, make it a game! Take turns saying a number and having your child name the number that comes next. You can also practice counting by tens to help children become familiar with the patterns in our number system.
- First graders can practice counting from 1 to 120. Once that is secure, start somewhere other than 1. Ask your child to begin at 17, 34, or another number and count forward from there. Listen for the patterns in the numbers and talk about what you notice. You can also practice mentally adding 10 to a number.
- Second graders can practice skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10s, and 100s. Skip counting is an important precursor to the multiplication work students will do in grade 3. Children can also practice identifying the number that comes before or after a given number, even when that number is somewhere between 1 and 999.
And don't stop counting just because your child is no longer in kindergarten, first, or second grade! Students in grades 3–5 continue to use counting as they skip count multiples and count by fractional units. At Daniels Farm, students also work with counting collections, including large collections, to develop a deeper understanding of the base-ten number system and mathematical efficiency.
Make Counting Part of Your Day
The best counting practice doesn't have to feel like practice at all. Look for opportunities to count together. Ask your child questions such as:
- How many do we have?
- How many more do we need?
- What number comes next?
- What number comes before?
- Can you count these a different way?
- What patterns do you notice as we count?
A few minutes of counting here and there can make a big difference. The goal isn't simply to see how high your child can count. The goal is to help children develop an understanding of numbers, quantities, patterns, and the relationships between numbers.
And remember, counters (that means the adults too!), we say the number 134 as “one hundred thirty-four.” It is incorrect to say “one hundred and thirty-four.” Let's make sure we're modeling the mathematics accurately for our children!
Here's to a great year of counting, noticing patterns, and making sense of numbers!
We are excited to share that Trumbull Public Schools (elementary level) are rejoining the Math in Action Challenge Program, a free enrichment opportunity for all that helps students build problem-solving skills in fun and engaging ways.
Each challenge includes creative problems that go beyond the classroom, encouraging students to use strategies such as drawing models, looking for patterns, and thinking logically.
General Information
Free program — no sign-up necessary.
Open to all students in Grades K–5.
Refer to the calendar at the link below for the release dates of challenges and due dates of solutions.
Solutions for the Challenge can be found on the website the day after it is due. Be sure to go back and correct your work.
It's time to sign up for the 2026-27 DFS Scripps Spelling Bee! Once enrolled, you will received the school spelling bee word list along with three dates for voluntary practice sessions after school.
Please use the link below to join.
During PM carpool dismissal, parents enter their child's carpool number once they are in line along Daniels Farm Road using the link below. The link allows daily access to a Google Form as follows:
- Open the form (LINK: https://forms.gle/CDjvEC31yvPabfqL6 or use the QR code on the right)
- Enter your child's carpool number when you arrive at DFS.
- Hit "submit".
- Repeat this process for each child you are picking up that day.
This must be done each day you are picking up a student. Please DO NOT enter your number until you are in the carpool line or there will be too many students in the waiting area. If you bookmark the form on your phone, it will be easy to access on the days you need it. Below you will find a short video demonstrating the process.
Instructional Video Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LzaVbMQwYjYZ17V__qhjQYDQQUILLXJc/view?usp=sharing
Daniels Farm Elementary School
710 Daniels Farm Rd., Trumbull, CT 06611
203-452-4388
Regular School Hours
Doors open at 8:20 AM
Regular School Hours: 8:35 AM - 3:20 PM
Early Dismissal Hours: 8:35 AM - 1:00 PM
Delayed Opening Hours
1 ½ hour Delay: 10: 05 AM – 3:20 PM (doors open at 9:50 AM)
2 hour Delay: 10:35 AM – 3:20 PM (doors open at 10:20 AM)
2 ½ hour Delay: 11:05 AM – 3:20 PM (doors open at 10:50 AM)
2026- 2027 Trumbull Public Schools Calendar
*Tier 2 volunteer forms are only necessary if you will be working unsupervised with stud