7+ Fun and Effective Ways to Teach Toddlers to Count
Toddlers have an amazing ability to turn everything into chaos fun. But guess what? That also means they’re natural learners! Teaching them to count doesn’t have to feel like herding cats—it can actually be fun (yes, really).
Spoiler alert: You’re probably already teaching your toddler to count without realizing it! From snack time to sock matching, numbers are everywhere in their little world. The key is to make counting a game, not a chore.
Let’s jump into fun, hands-on ways to teach toddlers to count.
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Why Counting Matters (Besides Impressing Grandma)
Counting isn’t just about memorizing numbers (although, yes, we all get a little proud when they shout “ONE-TWO-FREE!” at the grocery store). It’s a big deal for their brain development!
It builds number sense – Helps them understand what numbers actually mean instead of just reciting them like a toddler robot.
It strengthens problem-solving – Grouping, sorting, and figuring out “which pile has more” sets the stage for real math skills.
It improves memory & focus – Remembering numbers, sequences, and patterns strengthens their tiny-but-mighty brain.
It boosts confidence – Counting to 10 all by themselves? Instant rock star moment.
The best way to help them learn? Make numbers part of their world. Here’s how:
1. Count All the Things! (Everyday Object Counting)
You don’t need fancy flashcards. You don’t even need to sit down. Just talk about numbers while doing normal things!
Toys & Random Household Stuff
Blocks: “Let’s see how high we can stack before it topples over!”
Socks: “One…two…where the heck is the other one?” (Toddlers love a sock mystery.)
Spoons: “Can you grab three spoons?”
Shoes: “Two feet, two shoes—one for each foot!”
Snack Time (a Toddler’s Favorite Activity)
Fruit: “How many apple slices are on your plate?”
Crackers: “Let’s count five crackers before you eat them.”
Veggies: “Take three carrots—one for you, one for me, and one extra!”
The key? Make counting part of everyday conversations—no pressure, just natural learning!
2. Turn Up the Volume—Sing Counting Songs! 
Music is magic for little brains! Singing numbers over and over (and over) helps toddlers absorb them effortlessly. Some favorites:
“Five Little Ducks” – Great for learning to count backward (and for dramatic duck-waddling). “Ten in the Bed” – Counting and rolling? Win-win. “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” – Fun actions keep those little fingers busy. “Five Little Monkeys” – Warning: May encourage more jumping on the bed.
Make It Even More Fun!
- Act it out – Hop like monkeys, quack like ducks, or roll off a (cushion) bed.
- Mix it up – Change the lyrics! “Five little dinosaurs stomping around…”
- Add silly voices – Sing like a robot, a pirate, or an opera singer (the more ridiculous, the better).
Singing makes counting feel like a party—and we all know toddlers love a good jam session.
3. Play Interactive Counting Games (Because Sitting Still Is Overrated)
Toddlers love games, so let’s sneak in some learning while they’re busy having fun.
Seek & Find Counting Game
Hide small objects (blocks, toy cars, snacks—whatever’s handy) and have your toddler find and count them.
“Can you find three red cars?” “Let’s collect five leaves outside!” “Oops, you found six—let’s count again!”
This game works everywhere—at home, outside, or in the grocery store (“Find me two bananas!”).
Counting with Movement
Got a high-energy toddler? Use that energy!
Jump & Count: “Let’s do ten big jumps—ready? GO!” Clap & Count: Clap hands, stomp feet, or pat heads while counting. Hopscotch: Draw a hopscotch grid and count as they jump. Stair Counting: Going upstairs? Count every step (bonus: tires them out).
One enjoyable way to teach counting is through a game of seek and find with number cards. Here’s how you can play:
Don’t forget to grab this set of counting cards!!
Steps to play:
- Prepare The Cards: Print out, cut and laminate the number cards
- Hide the Small Cards: Hide the small cards around the room. I recommend placing them in plain sight but apart from the rest so your littles will need to seek them out.
- Choose a Card: Give each child one of the large counting cards. Starting with one card allows them to concentrate on one specific number.
- Seek out the Matching Numbers: Have the kiddos collect their matching numbers in the various forms
- Count Together: Count and read all the cards and the various ways the number is presented.
Why it works:
- Active Engagement: This game makes your toddler an active participant. They aren’t just sitting and counting; they are moving and searching.
- Real-life Skills: Finding and counting the hidden cards helps them understand the multiple ways a number can be presented and develop spatial awareness.
4. Make Counting Hands-On with Learning Printables
Sometimes, you just need a quick, grab-and-go activity—this is where learning printables come in! A well-designed printable can turn counting into an interactive, hands-on experience that keeps little hands busy while reinforcing number skills.
Here are a few fun ways to use printables:
Color & Count – Find a printable with numbers or objects to color and count as they go.
Roll & Match – Use dice with a counting printable to add an extra challenge.
Cut & Sort – Cut out numbers or objects and sort them into groups. Seek & Find – Hide printable number cards around the room and have your child find them in order.
Want more creative ways to make printables work for your little learner? Check out my Printable Idea Generator for inspiration! 
5. Read Books That Sneak in Counting
Storytime is prime learning time! Bonus: You can sit down (finally).
Recommended Books
- “Ten Black Dots” by Donald Crews: This classic book uses black dots to create various objects, helping children visualize and count up to ten.
- “One Duck Stuck” by Phyllis Root: In this charming tale, one stuck duck is joined by more animals, each helping out one by one, which makes counting up to ten fun and engaging.
- “Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3” by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson: This book follows the numbers climbing up an apple tree, making it a fun read that helps kids grasp the concept of counting.
- “Mouse Count” by Ellen Stoll Walsh: Featuring a clever story about a mouse capturing other mice, this book teaches children to count forwards and backwards.
- “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed” by Eileen Christelow: A fun story that involves monkeys falling off a bed, helping kids count down from five.
Let your toddler point, count, and guess what comes next.
6. Incorporate Counting into Art and Crafts
Who said counting has to be all about numbers and worksheets? Toddlers love to get their little hands messy with art and crafts, so why not combine the two? Here’s how you can do it.
Painting and Drawing Numbers
Painting and drawing are perfect for teaching toddlers to count. The tactile experience of using paintbrushes, crayons, or markers makes learning interactive and fun.
Examples that work well:
- Finger Painting Numbers: Let your toddler dip their fingers in paint and create number shapes on paper. Say the numbers out loud as they make them. “Look, that’s a big number three!”
- Drawing Objects to Count: Give them a crayon and some paper to draw simple objects. As they draw each item, count out loud with them. “You drew one apple. Now draw another one!”
- Coloring Number Shapes: Provide coloring pages with large, outlined numbers. Visually seeing what the number looks like is a great way for your littles to absorb this information.
Craft Projects with a Counting Theme
Craft projects can also serve dual purposes: encouraging creativity and teaching counting. These activities can easily be tailored to fit various themes or seasons, keeping them fresh and exciting.
Craft project ideas:
- Number Collages: Create a collage using cut-out numbers and thematic decorations. For example, during the holiday season, you can make a “Christmas Number Collage” with glitter, stickers, and number cutouts. “Let’s glue five snowflakes next to number five!”
- Counting Beads on a String: Thread different colored beads onto a string and count each bead as you go. “How many blue beads do we have? One, two…” This activity also helps develop fine motor skills.
- Counting Stick Puppets: Make stick puppets and use them to act out counting stories. Each puppet can represent a number, and you can come up with short stories where they meet each other. “Three little bears meet two little birds. How many animals are there now?”
By turning craft time into a counting lesson, you make learning numbers hands-on. Whether it’s drawing, painting, or assembling crafts, these creative projects can help your toddler grasp counting concepts while having loads of fun.
Related Article: One Fish Two Fish Dr. Seuss Activities
7. Take Counting Outside for Fresh Air and Fun
Nature Walk Counting
- Count rocks, flowers, leaves, birds, bugs—whatever you find!
- “Let’s find FIVE pinecones!” (They’ll come back with twenty, but hey, math!)
Sort & Count
- Gather leaves and sort by color or size before counting.
- “How many red leaves do we have?”
Count Steps & Jumps
- Count steps on a trail or hops on a sidewalk.
- “Let’s do three BIG jumps…now five teeny tiny ones!”
Toddlers learn best when they’re moving, touching, and exploring—so let them get messy!
Toddlers Want to Learn—Run with That Excitement!
Here’s the thing—toddlers are naturally curious. They want to learn, explore, and figure things out. Chances are, your little one is already showing interest in counting without you even realizing it.
Ever notice them lining up their toys? Handing you five crackers instead of one? Trying to count their fingers (even if they go “one, two, seven!”)? That’s their little brain working hard to make sense of numbers.
Follow their lead and build on that excitement. If they’re into dinosaurs, count dino toys. If they love jumping, count their hops. The more playful and natural it feels, the more they’ll soak it up.
Bottom line? If they’re eager to learn, let them! Their excitement is the best learning tool you have.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s playful learning.
Final Takeaway: Just Keep Counting!
Teaching toddlers to count is less about drills and more about fun, everyday moments. Whether you’re singing, playing, cooking, or running around outside, numbers are everywhere.
So next time you’re stacking blocks or handing out snacks, sneak in a little math magic. Your toddler will be counting like a pro before you know it!
Be sure to check out our free week of print and play activities below for more activities for your littles!
