How do you teach counting to kindergarteners?

Start by counting out loud so your kindergartener can hear number words in order. Start with 1, 2, 3 and work your way up to counting to 10 and eventually counting to 20. Have your student count along with you, so they can formulate the sequence on their own. To help make counting more concrete, add in objects such as toys, snacks, or math manipulatives. When your child sits down for lunch, count grapes together. When they put their toys away count them one at a time as they go back in the box. Use the worksheets on this page, so they can begin to match written numbers with spoken numbers. All of these things will help your kindergartener learn to count!

What are fun counting games for kindergarteners?

1. Build a Tower: Use legos, blocks, or random objects to build a tower, counting each object as it’s added. The parent or teacher could build alongside the student, for a friendly game of “see who can build the bigger tower.” Just make sure each object is counted as it’s added to reinforce the counting sequence.
2. Count Your Steps: Go on a walk and count your steps. Start by counting 10 teeny, tiny steps. Then, count 10 big, giant steps. Count to 10 walking backwards or jumping like a frog. If counting to 10 is too high, start by counting to 3. If your student has mastered counting to 10, try counting to 20 or 30. You could even do this while skip-counting by 2s, 5s, or 10s!
3. Hide and Seek: This simple, fun game helps kids learn to count. Play it as a class or as a family. Adults can either help the seeker count (if necessary) or they can get in on the fun and hide too!

What are counting songs or rhymes for kindergarteners?

1. The Ants Go Marching – This rhyming song helps students count up from 1 to 10.
2. One, Two, Buckle My Shoe – This rhyme helps students count up from 1 to 10.
3. Ten Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed – This rhyme helps kids count backward from 10 to 0.

How can I help my kindergartener with counting at home?

Trying the activities above and working through the worksheets on this page should help your kindergartener master counting. Remember, though, that children learn at their own pace, so it’s important to remain patient. If you feel like they should have mastered counting by now, you may want to reach out to a teacher or their doctor to confirm.