BKLYN Kids Presents: We Count!

The 2020 Census is here! Visit the Census website and get counted today!

The decennial census determines New York's fair share of more than $650 billion of federal funds every year for critical programs and services, including public education, public housing, roads and bridges, social services, and much more. It also determines the number of representatives we have fighting for us in Congress.

We're sharing some counting books and activities to involve your child in the Census! But first, some important notes about the Census:

• The Census counts everybody so that cities and communities get the things they need like parks, schools, and more!
• The Census starts in March, and only happens every 10 years, so it’s so important to count everyone who lives in your house—even kids and babies! 
• Children birth-5 don’t always get counted--but they should, as they need the same things as everyone else—food, schools, healthcare, and more!

Now, onto the fun stuff! 

Read We Count! - A picture book about families, counting, and the census. You can download your own copy for free! Visit the We Count Kids website

For more books about counting, check out this booklist. *Note that some of these books may not be available in ebook format. However, you may already have some of them in your collection at home!

Counting Activities

Egg Carton Counting:
This simple activity will help your child develop math and motor skills! All you need is an empty egg carton (these are great to save for many activities and projects!) and items for counting (we used dried beans). Number the inside of each cup, and direct your child to place the corresponding number of beans into that cup. *This activity is recommended for ages 3&up due to the potential choking hazard with small items

Clothespin Counting
This activity is great for fine motor skills. Make cards with numbers and corresponding dots. Have your child attach a clothespin to each dot while counting along. Don't have clothespins? Try using cotton balls, or stickers!

You can fill out the census online from home!

• Visit my2020census.gov - fill out your family’s census form right away, from any computer or device! 

• Visit the BPL website to see how many families in Brooklyn are responding to the Census

Share the Census with others! 

• Talk about the census to your family and friends! Tell them - it’s important! 

• Post on social media: in NYC, you can change your profile picture to “I was counted”

• Make an “I was counted in the 2020 Census” sign, and put it in your window for others to see!