This study describes situations in German daycare facilities (Kindergarten) in which the development of mathematical thinking in children is specifically encouraged through examination of common play objects. Using micro-sociological methods of analysis, the mathematical potential of such interactions between teacher and child is elaborated within the framework of everyday pedagogical practices (Bruner, 1996) and instructional models (Rogoff; Mind, Cult Activ 1(4): 209-229, 1994). It is also considered which concepts of mathematics may be important in these interactions.