Simple Hands-On Counting Activity for Preschoolers

Counting is a fundamental skill preschoolers must master as they begin their early math journey. A hands-on counting activity for preschoolers can make learning numbers fun and engaging.

By incorporating tangible objects and interactive methods, children can better grasp the concept of counting while developing their fine motor skills. Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, this hands-on preschool math activity will help your little ones build a strong foundation in counting.

Teaching counting to preschoolers becomes an enjoyable experience when you introduce hands-on counting activities. These activities allow children to interact with objects and numbers in a way that reinforces their understanding of basic math concepts.

If you’re looking for ways to make preschool math more interactive and fun, a hands-on approach is the perfect solution.

Hands-On Counting Activity with Toys

Math activities are essential for developing a child’s number sense and early math skills. Using a hands-on approach, preschoolers can physically interact with objects, making abstract concepts more concrete and easier to understand.

What You’ll Need

• A variety of small toys
• Printable 1-20 number cards (click to download)
• A container to keep the small toys in

What You’ll Do

The first thing I did was print the number cards and cut them out. I went over all the numbers with my daughter, and we put them in order on the floor.

Before I could really say anything else she started to place her friends next to the number cards. I told her that she had to put the correct number of friend to match the number on each card.

How did my daughter do with this activity?

Well, this activity was already a hit even before it started, because she was so excited to use her friends during an activity.

She did the first 7 numbers fairly quickly, but when she got to number 8 she struggled. She started to count the number of friends she was adding to the number 8 card, but she kept losing track and had to start over.

We talked about ways that might make it easier to keep track. The first thing she said was, “Let’s line them up”. PERFECT!

From the number 8 on she lined up the friends behind each number card, and it helped her finish the activity and not get frustrated.

We will be doing this activity again, and since we have so many little toys, I bet we can even go up to 50 next time! My daughter will be so excited!

You have to try this hands-on counting activity with your preschoolers.  They are going to love it!

Counting Activities for Preschoolers

Counting activities are an excellent way to build a child’s number sense and mathematical confidence. By using everyday objects or themed counting sets, you can make learning numbers an enjoyable part of your preschooler’s routine.

Look for activities that combine counting with other skills, such as sorting, matching, or patterning, to provide a well-rounded learning experience.

• Roll and Color Ocean Counting Activity
• Apple Seed Counting Activity
• How Many Frogs? Counting Game
• Count to 100 with a Forest Hundreds Chart
• Counting Games for Kids

Counting Books for Preschool

Ready to explore the world of numbers? Dive into this collection of Counting Books for Preschoolers! From playful counting rhymes to finger-counting fun, these stories will help your little one grasp numbers in a way that’s both engaging and educational. Get ready for a numberific adventure!

Ten Wriggly Wiggly Caterpillars – Ten plump caterpillars embark on a delightful adventure in “Ten Wriggly Wiggly Caterpillars.” Join them as they munch on leaves, inch across the garden, and explore their vibrant world, one by one. But watch out! As the story unfolds, there might be a surprising transformation in store for these wiggly friends.

Ten Little Starfish – This book invites you on a vibrant counting adventure under the sea! Discover a whole colony of these spiny friends – clinging to rocks, basking in the waves, and even glowing in the moonlight. Count along from ten playful starfish all the way down to zero, as you explore the wonders of their ocean home.

Ten Sparkly Snowflakes – The magic of winter unfolds in “Ten Sparkly Snowflakes.” One by one, glistening snowflakes drift down from the sky, blanketing the world in a pristine white coat. Watch as the snowflakes transform a bare tree into a snowy wonderland, and get ready to bundle up for some wintery fun!

Hands-on counting activities for preschoolers offer a practical and engaging way to introduce early math concepts. By using everyday items and interactive approaches, you can help your child develop a solid understanding of numbers while making learning fun. Whether through activities or books, fostering a love for counting in preschoolers sets the stage for future math success.

Tara

Tara is the brains behind Homeschool Preschool, where her journey from preschool and public school teacher to homeschooling mom of three fuels her passion for early childhood education. With a blend of expertise and firsthand experience, Tara’s writings offer practical tips and engaging resources to support families in creating meaningful learning adventures at home.