Why did the teacher use a counting activity involving number cards and beans?

The teacher's use of a counting activity with number cards and beans serves as an informal assessment for cognitive development because it allows the teacher to observe and evaluate students' number recognition, counting skills, and overall understanding of numerical concepts in a hands-on and engaging way. Such activities provide insight into how students process and interact with numerical information, revealing their cognitive abilities and areas needing further support. Additionally, the informal nature of the assessment means the teacher can assess understanding in a low-pressure environment, fostering a positive learning experience while gathering data on each student's developmental progress in math concepts. This approach is ideally suited to gauge not just what the students know, but how they apply that knowledge practically.