Counting is a fundamental skill for preschoolers and there are countless fun ways to make learning numbers engaging and exciting. Children at this age try counting everything they see in their daily lives. So they will love to do these simple counting activities.
These are perfect for preschool environments since they require very little preparation. There are a few activities you can enjoy outdoors but most of them are indoor activities such as worksheets, crafts and other indoor games.
These hands-on counting activities support preschoolers with reinforcing number recognition, one-to-one correspondence and basic math concepts.
Related Articles:
Preschool Counting Activities
1. PomPom Counting
Provide a variety of pompoms and have children sort them by colour or size. Once sorted, ask them to count or write the number of pompoms in each group.
You can also give them a specific number to reach and ask them to collect that many.
Sorting by category helps children link numbers and characteristics while they practice counting.
2. Tree Seeds Counting Activity
This seed counting activity is a hands on way to practice counting while improving fine motor skills as well.
All you need is glue and some dry seeds or small items such as pompoms or even stickers.
Print these counting worksheets and have kids stick seeds or pompoms onto the tree.
3. Counting BUGS Worksheet
Counting worksheets for preschoolers are great for learning to count and recognise numbers.
Download this free printable counting bugs worksheet.
4. Counting Body Parts
This is one of the most popular counting activities for preschoolers. These worksheets feature a fuzzy bug with various number of eyes, ears, hands and legs. Kids will enjoy counting them and writing the numbers in the boxes.
Download body parts worksheets to get started with.
5. Caterpillar Counting
Another engaging activity for preschoolers to practice counting and number recognition. You can include this in your craft time.
Provide a pair of scissors, glue and the printed caterpillar counting worksheet.
6. Build with Blocks and Count
Have kids stack blocks to make towers or buildings while counting the blocks they use. You can also use Legos or numbered cubes for this fun activity.
This activity helps with number recognition and fine motor skills.
7. Number Line Jumping
This hopscotch game will make counting fun for kids. Assign a number to each child and let them jump from one number to another while they count.
This activity helps them gain confidence in recognising and sequencing numbers. You can set this up indoors (using tape) or outdoors.
8. Number Hunt
Hide number cards or objects around the classroom and have the children find them. Once they find an object, they need to count how many they’ve found.
You can add these counting tasks while doing a scavenger hunt. Add commands like “2 building blocks” or “5 board books”.
This activity combines counting with movement, making it an active and engaging experience.
Use this scavenger hunt printable as a start.
9. Counting in Nature
Exploring nature is a great way to find counting activities for preschoolers.
When you are on your next outdoor excursion, ask children to collect natural objects like leaves, rocks or sticks. Once they have a handful, ask them to count how many they’ve collected.
Counting with real-world objects helps children make connections between numbers and the world around them.
10. Counting Machine
This counting activity from ImaginationTree involves creating a counting machine from recycled materials like cardboard tubes and a small box.
Children drop a set of pom-poms into numbered tubes. This method helps kids develop counting skills and one-to-one correspondence.
11. Count and Clap
Sing a counting song such as “Ten Little Fingers” or “Five Little Monkeys.” Have children clap or stomp along as they count. Singing these songs helps them with number sequence through music and movement.
Counting songs help reinforce number order and the clapping adds a sensory experience that makes it fun.
12. Octopus Counting Craft
AllKidsNetwork offers a wonderful Octopus craft that is not just enjoyable but also helps preschoolers learn to count.
You just need construction paper, glue and markers. Help kids in writing the numbers 1 to 8. After that, they can use markers to count and draw dots on each leg.
13. Snakes and Ladders
This board game can be used as a fun and interactive counting activity for preschoolers and it helps with number recognition and sequencing.
You can adjust the game to match the child’s counting skills. For example, find a board that goes up to 30-50 to make it shorter.
Leave a Reply