Sesame Street: Grover's Counting Lesson

(Herbert Birdsfoot is standing next to three blocks lined up in a row.)

Herbert: Hi! Herbert Birdsfoot here, and now it's time for Grover's counting lesson.

Grover (running up): Hey, Herbie baby! Am I late?

Herbert: No, no, you're right on time.

Grover: Oh, good.

Herbert: Now, over here I have some blocks. I want you to count the blocks and tell me how many there are.

Grover: One, two, three. Three blocks, Herbie!

Herbert: Very good, Grover. Now, I'm going to move them like this ... (Begins stacking one block on top of another.)

Grover: Oh, he's making a little building! Oh, that's cute, Herbie! That's a nice little building!

Herbert: There! Now, can you tell me how many blocks there are now? Be careful, though.

Grover: One, two, three. Herbie, three blocks!

Herbert: Very good, Grover. Now, I'm going to move the blocks once more ... (Removes top block.)

Grover: Oh, but that was such a pretty little building! And ...

(Herbert makes a pyramid.)

Grover: Oh, that's nice, too!

Herbert: There! Now, can you tell me how many blocks there are now? Be careful, now.



Grover (pauses): Three blocks.

Herbert: Are you sure? They look different.

Grover: I know, Herbie, I know, but they are the same number! See? One, two, three. Three blocks, Herbie!

Herbert: Very good, Grover! You're doing very well today.

Grover (beaming): Oh, I know!

Herbert (leading Grover away from the blocks): Now, over here ...

Grover: Oh, over there. Bye, blocks!

Herbert (brings Grover to a spot where there are three oranges): ... I have some oranges. Now, I want you to count the oranges and tell me how many there are.

Grover: Um ...

Herbert: Just count the oranges and tell me how many there are.

Grover: Herbie, I can't.

Herbert: Well, why not?

Grover: Well, you see, I know how to count blocks ...

Herbert (puzzled): Yes?

Grover (despairingly): ... but I do not know how to count oranges! Oh! (Puts his hand to his head and leans on a very confused Herbert.)