Non-Stress Ways to Teach Preschoolers to Count

Teaching preschoolers how to count doesn’t have to feel like a chore—for them or you! In fact, learning to count can be one of the most fun and hands-on parts of early learning. Preschoolers learn best through play, movement, and real-life experiences, so the more interactive and engaging your counting activities are, the more they’ll stick.

If you’ve got a curious little one who’s ready to start learning numbers, here are some of my favorite easy and playful ways to teach counting at home.

Fingers and Toes

One of the first tools for counting is right at their fingertips! Encourage your preschooler to count on their fingers (and toes). You can sing “This Little Piggy” or make silly rhymes for each finger. This helps them visualize numbers and understand that each one represents something.

Counting Songs

Preschoolers love music, and there are so many catchy counting songs out there. Try singing:

• Five Little Ducks
• The Ants Go Marching
• Five Little Speckled Frogs
• “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed”

These songs help kids learn number order, counting down, and connecting numbers to action all in a fun and (most importantly) memorable way.

Toys and Objects

Grab small objects you already have around the house (blocks, cars, action figures) and use them for simple counting games. Line up five cars and count them together. Ask your child to give you three blocks. Play “how many?” with toys they already love.

You can even make a counting jar. Fill a clear jar with buttons, cereal, or coins, and count them out loud together. Kids love hands-on activities, and it builds number sense naturally.

Counting Books

There are so many adorable and engaging children’s books that help teach counting. Some favorites include:

• Chicka Chicka 1 2 3 by Bill Martin Jr.
• Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews
• Counting Kisses by Karen Katz
• Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by James Dean

Books give context to numbers, show them in different forms, and make learning feel cozy and fun.

Counting Movements

Preschoolers have wiggly little bodies and that’s a good thing! Try adding movement to counting practice to help them stay engaged.

• Hop like a frog 10 times.
• Clap your hands 5 times.
• Do 3 twirls, then sit down.
• March while counting to 20.

This kind of kinesthetic learning is great for memory and focus, especially for kids who learn best through action.

Number Lines

Use painter’s tape or sidewalk chalk to create a number line on the floor or outdoors. As your child steps on each number, count aloud together. This visual helps them understand the order of numbers and how we count forward and backward.

You can also make a number path with sticky notes, toy blocks, or paper plates, and have them jump from number to number while counting.

Count During Regular Activities

Give them little counting jobs throughout the day to help build confidence and keep the practice going:

• Count the forks while setting the table.
• Count how many shirts are in the laundry.
• Count how many blocks are in the tower before it falls.

These natural, low-pressure opportunities help kids feel like math is part of everyday life, not just something they sit down to do.

Use Visuals

Preschoolers love visual learning. Use number cards, dot markers, sticker charts, or even printable worksheets to help them see and connect numbers to real quantities. You can make simple ten frames, play matching games, or use counting mats where they place the correct number of items next to a numeral.