"There Was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Bell" counting and writing the room

One of the books I read was "There Was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Bell".  Not only did she swallow a bell, but also some bows, gifts, a sack, a sleigh, some reindeer.  In this activity there were cards posted around the room with different amounts of items from this story.  Armed with a clipboard and pencil and paper, the kids wandered around the room counting and writing the items.  They are so funny when they get a clipboard.  It seems to automatically make them become like professionals who are writing down important information.