Hamburger menu
menu Filter
Counting Games for Kids
GRADE

CONTENT TYPE

  • Resources
  • Games
  • Worksheets
  • Glossary
  • Lesson Plans

    • SUBJECT

  • Math (2,046)
  • ELA (2,367)
  • General Knowledge (295)
  • Art & Creativity (236)
  • Logic & Thinking (16)
  • Multiplayer (12)
  • Motor Skills (16)

    • Counting Objects Within 5 Skills

    View all 47 games
    • Count the Dots from 1 to 3
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Count the Dots from 1 to 3

      Count the dots from 1 to 3 to begin the exciting journey of becoming a math wizard.

      Pre-K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count to Tell How Many up to 3
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Count to Tell How Many up to 3

      Ask your little one to count to tell 'how many' up to 3.

      Pre-K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Match Numbers up to 3
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Match Numbers up to 3

      Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring how to match numbers up to 3.

      Pre-K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Counting Sequence from 1 to 5
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Counting Sequence from 1 to 5

      Help your little one practice the counting sequence from 1 to 5.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.3.a
      VIEW DETAILS

    Counting Objects Within 10 Skills

    View all 43 games
    • Match Number and Pattern
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Match Number and Pattern

      Have your own math-themed party by learning how to match numbers and patterns.

      Pre-K K
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Hop and Count from 1 to 10
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Hop and Count from 1 to 10

      Kids must hop and count from 1 to 10 to practice counting.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.3.a
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count the Dots from 5 to 8
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Count the Dots from 5 to 8

      Kids must count the dots from 5 to 8 to learn counting.

      Pre-K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count the Dots from 5 to 10
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Count the Dots from 5 to 10

      Enhance your counting skills by counting the dots from 5 to 10.

      Pre-K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS

    Counting Objects Within 20 Skills

    View all 6 games
    • Count Up to 15 Using Ten-Frames
      Counting Objects Within 20
      Count Up to 15 Using Ten-Frames

      Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring how to count up to 15 using ten-frames.

      Pre-K K K.NBT.1
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Number Sequence from 1 to 20
      Counting Objects Within 20
      Number Sequence from 1 to 20

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by practicing the number sequence from 1 to 20.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.2
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count upto 20 Objects in Array
      Counting Objects Within 20
      Count upto 20 Objects in Array

      Dive deep into the world of counting by helping your child count upto 20 objects in an array.

      K K.CC.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count Up to 20 Using Ten-Frames
      Counting Objects Within 20
      Count Up to 20 Using Ten-Frames

      Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring how to count up to 20 using ten-frames.

      Pre-K K K.NBT.1
      VIEW DETAILS

    All Counting Skills

    • Recognize Patterns
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Recognize Patterns

      Have your own math-themed party by learning how to recognize patterns.

      Pre-K K PK.OA.2
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subitize to Count within 10
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Subitize to Count within 10

      Enter the madness of math-multiverse by exploring how to subitize to count within 10.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count Out Objects upto 20
      Counting Objects Within 20
      Count Out Objects upto 20

      Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by helping them count out objects upto 20.

      K K.CC.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count the Dots from 1 to 5
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Count the Dots from 1 to 5

      Teach your little one to count the dots from 1 to 5.

      Pre-K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count Objects to 10
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Count Objects to 10

      Let your child see the world through math-colored shades with our 'Count Objects to 10' game!

      Pre-K K K.CC.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count to 20
      Counting Objects Within 20
      Count to 20

      Ask your little one to count to 20 to play this game.

      K K.CC.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subitize to Count within 5
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Subitize to Count within 5

      Learn to solve math problems by subitizing to count within 5.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count Objects in Rectangular Arrays
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Count Objects in Rectangular Arrays

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to count objects in rectangular arrays.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count Objects to 5
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Count Objects to 5

      Kids must count objects to 5 to practice counting.

      Pre-K K K.CC.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count All and Match the Number
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Count All and Match the Number

      Kids must count all and match the number to practice counting.

      Pre-K K K.CC.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count Objects in Linear Arrangement
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Count Objects in Linear Arrangement

      Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by helping them count objects in linear arrangement.

      Pre-K K K.CC.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count to Tell How Many from 6 to 10
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Count to Tell How Many from 6 to 10

      Ask your little one to count to tell 'how many' from 6 to 10.

      Pre-K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count Objects in Non-Linear Arrangement
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Count Objects in Non-Linear Arrangement

      Practice the superpower of counting by learning how to count objects in non-linear arrangement.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count Objects in Non-Linear Arrangement within 10
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Count Objects in Non-Linear Arrangement within 10

      Kids must count objects in non-linear arrangement within 10 to practice counting.

      Pre-K K K.CC.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count the Objects in Multiple Arrangements
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Count the Objects in Multiple Arrangements

      Apply your skills to count the objects in multiple arrangements.

      Pre-K K K.CC.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count upto 10 Objects in Circle
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Count upto 10 Objects in Circle

      Kids must count upto 10 objects in the circle to practice counting.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count to Tell How Many up to 5
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Count to Tell How Many up to 5

      Kids must count to tell 'how many' up to 5 to practice counting.

      Pre-K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count upto 10 Objects Arranged Randomly
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Count upto 10 Objects Arranged Randomly

      Ask your little one to count upto 10 objects arranged randomly to play this game.

      Pre-K K
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Match Numbers up to 5
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Match Numbers up to 5

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to match numbers up to 5.

      Pre-K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Represent Number Using Objects
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Represent Number Using Objects

      Practice the superpower of counting by learning how to represent a number using objects.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subitize to 5
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Subitize to 5

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to subitize to 5.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Match Numbers from 6 to 10
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Match Numbers from 6 to 10

      Take the pressure off by simplifying counting by matching numbers from 6 to 10.

      Pre-K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count on Fingers upto 5
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Count on Fingers upto 5

      Take a look at how to count on fingers upto 5 with this counting game.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subitize to 10
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Subitize to 10

      Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring how to subitize to 10.

      Pre-K K K.CC.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Match Number and 10-Frame within 5
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Match Number and 10-Frame within 5

      Take a deep dive into the world of math by matching the number and 10-frame within 5.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count on Fingers upto 10
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Count on Fingers upto 10

      Practice the superpower of counting by learning how to count on fingers upto 10.

      Pre-K K K.CC.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Number Sequence from 1 to 8
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Number Sequence from 1 to 8

      Dive deep into the world of counting with the number sequence from 1 to 8.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.3.a
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Match Number and 10-Frame within 10
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Match Number and 10-Frame within 10

      Dive deep into the world of counting by matching the number and 10-frame within 10.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count upto 10 Scattered Objects
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Count upto 10 Scattered Objects

      Help kids practice counting by helping them count upto 10 scattered objects.

      Pre-K K K.CC.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count Along with the Stars from 1 to 8
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Count Along with the Stars from 1 to 8

      Help your child take flight by counting along with the stars from 1 to 8.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.2
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count Along with the Stars from 1 to 3
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Count Along with the Stars from 1 to 3

      Shine bright in the math world by counting along with the stars from 1 to 3.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.2
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count Along with the Stars from 1 to 10
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Count Along with the Stars from 1 to 10

      Use your number sense skills to count along with the stars from 1 to 10.

      Pre-K K PK.CC.2
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Number Sequence from 1 to 3
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Number Sequence from 1 to 3

      Enter the madness of math-multiverse by practicing the number sequence from 1 to 3.

      Pre-K K
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count and Tell Numbers from 6 to 10
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Count and Tell Numbers from 6 to 10

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to count and tell numbers from 6 to 10.

      Pre-K
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count and Tell Numbers from 1 to 3
      Counting Objects Within 5
      Count and Tell Numbers from 1 to 3

      Kids must count and tell numbers from 1 to 3 to practice number sense.

      Pre-K
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Number Sequence from 1 to 10
      Counting Objects Within 10
      Number Sequence from 1 to 10

      Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by practicing the number sequence from 1 to 10.

      Pre-K K
      VIEW DETAILS
    1 2 ... 3 →

    What Is Counting?

    Counting is the process of determining the number of items in a set or group. It is an essential early math skill for kids that helps them understand quantity and perform basic arithmetic. Children learn to count by reciting numbers in order, starting from one and progressing to higher numbers. Counting helps in everyday tasks like counting toys, apples, or friends. 

    For example, when counting apples in a basket, a child learns that five apples mean there are five objects present. It lays the foundation for more advanced math concepts such as addition, multiplication, etc.

    Counting Numbers

    In early childhood education, counting plays a crucial role in developing fundamental math skills. By engaging in counting activities, children enhance their number sense, recognize numerical patterns, and establish a strong foundation for future mathematical concepts. From counting fingers and toys to larger sets of objects, this early exposure to counting sets the stage for a lifelong love of math.

    Methods of Counting

    Counting is essential in early education, helping kids build strong math skills. From basic number recitation to advanced methods like skip counting and tally marks, children gain a versatile toolkit to understand and work with numbers. Diverse counting techniques deepen their grasp of numerical concepts, setting the stage for complex math in the future.

    1) Counting On: Starting from a given number and continuing to add one to each subsequent number (e.g. counting on from 5: 6, 7, 8, ...).

    2) Skip Counting: Counting by a fixed number other than one (e.g. counting by twos: 2, 4, 6, ...; counting by fives: 5, 10, 15, ...).

    i) Skip counting by 2’s and 5’s:

    In skip-counting by 2’s, each of the alternative numbers or every other number from a given number is recorded. For example, starting from 2, skip-counting by 2’s will yield the following sequence on a line-plot.
     

    Skip counting by 2 on a number line


    Similar to the skip-counting pattern by 2's, the "5's" counting sequence is obtained. This method helps in writing multiples of 5 fluently while learning multiplication techniques.

    The sequences for skip-counting by 5 start from 0 and 1 as follows:
     

    Skip counting by 5 on a number line

     

    ii) Skip Counting by 10’s and 100’s

     To write the number sequence for the “count by 10’s”, a number grid is drafted as follows:
     

    Counting by 10
     

    Similar to the count by 10’s skipping method, the count by “100’s” sequence is best suited for initiating comprehension of numbers up-to 1000 on a line-plot.
     

    Counting by 100’s and intermediate skipped numbers
     

    3) Counting Forward: Counting and skip counting can be done in two ways. Forward counting yields a number higher than the starting number on a line plot. It is used for understanding  “addition” and “multiplication” operations.

    i) Addition: For addition, mark the first number and count consecutively from it based on the second addend's value to obtain the sum. For example, to add 4 and 3, start from 4 on the line plot and count 3 steps to get the sum 7.

     

    Addition by forward counting forward

     

    ii) Multiplication as forward skip counting: It is similar to skip counting with factors determining the value and number of skips. For instance, to multiply 2 and 4, skip count by 4 starting from "0" for two jumps. The line plot representation will be:
     

    Multiplication by forward skip counting

     

    4) Counting Backwards: Subtracting one from a given number and continuing the sequence in reverse order (e.g. counting backwards from 10: 9, 8, 7, ...). It is used for comprehending “subtraction” and “division” operations.

    i) Subtraction: It involves marking a line plot from the minuend to "0" and counting in reverse direction from the minuend to the subtrahend. For example, to subtract 3 from 8, start from "8" on the line plot and take 3 steps to the left to get the difference "5".
     

    Subtraction by counting backwards on a number line
     

    ii) Division as reverse skip-counting: It involves each skip's value being equal to the divisor. The quotient is determined by the number of skips needed to reach "0". For instance, to divide 10 by 2, start from "10" on the line plot and take skips of "2" each. The total number of skips (5) to reach "0" is the quotient.
     

    Division by backward skip counting on a number line

     

    Progression of Counting Concepts with Grades
     

    Grade

    Concepts

    Pre-K

    • Counting with pictures

    • Understanding the concepts of ‘one more’ and ‘two more’

    • Counting objects up to 10 in linear and non-linear arrangements

    • Count many kinds of concrete objects and actions up to ten, using one-to-one correspondence, and accurately count as many as seven things in a scattered configuration.

    Kindergarten

    • Introduction to counting with manipulatives like counters. 

    • Using shapes chart and math facts flash cards for comprehension. 

    • Write a number to represent “how many”

    • Learning the counting, number names, comparing numbers up to 20

    • Learning the number sequence up to 100

    Grade 1

    • Grouping objects in sets of 10. 

    • Learning to count to 120, starting from any number less than 120. 

    • Understanding place value system

    Grade 2

    • Count within 1000

    • Using counting skills on a line plot. 

    • Correlating addition and subtraction as forward and backward counting. 

    • Counting coins, currency exchange 

    • Skip-counting by 2’s, 5’s, 10’s, and 10’s.

    Grade 3

    • Reinforcing counting with writing expanded and word forms. 

    • Counting numbers in the thousands. 

    • Applying counting skills in advanced math operations like multiplication and division.

     

    Effective Learning Methods for Counting

     

    1) Counting in different Arrangements:

    Counting starts with arranging and counting objects, developing visual observation skills. Different arrangements of objects with the same arithmetic value/frequency enhance understanding. For instance, the given images represent the number 3.

    Counting objects in different arrangements

     

    2) Counting in groups of 10:

    Counting objects in groups of ten helps kids understand numbers in various arrangements. They learn to comprehend, speak, and represent numbers in textual form by counting objects in bundles of 10. This sequential approach fosters a deeper understanding of numerical concepts.
     

    Counting in groups of 10

     

    Each bundle allows for creating counting grids up to 20, 50, and 100, which prove useful when adding or subtracting numbers within 100. The figures below depict counting grids for numbers up to 20 and 100.
     

    Number grid up to 20 and 100       Number grid up to 20 and 100

     

    3) Line Plot: 

    The line-plot technique is a powerful and versatile method for understanding numbers and solving math problems. It starts from "0" with each number marked next to it, representing a unit distance. Line plots were conceptually devised by William Playfair to effectively visualize numbers and large datasets. It can be used to determine missing numbers in a sequence and teach basic math operations to preschoolers due to its excellent visual interpretation of numbers.
     

    Basic line plot of numbers 0 to 10

     

    Hands-on Math Tools for Counting

    Kindergarten classrooms incorporate preschool math activities to teach counting. Learning tools like math flash cards and manipulatives, such as objects, counters, and base-10 blocks, help develop visual observation and counting skills. 

    1. Objects: The daily engagement of kids with surrounding objects such as currency, birds or animals is a versatile method to start counting. They can count coins, beads, colors and other objects in a picture to familiarize themselves with the concept. Also, with the practice of counting change tendered while buying a candy or toy incorporates the practical approach of learning.
     

    Counting activity: Counting the number of fishes in the picture
     

    2. Counters: The math skills pertaining to counting are nurtured with interactive tools such as math counters. The color-coded discs in round shape are most suited for counting and arranging a specific number of discs to learn to count in preschool activities.
     

    Arranging counters to represent the numbers 1 to 5.

     

    The different types of counters are useful in representing the multi-digit numbers for a strong visual coordination to grasp the concept. Also, the pre-marked counters with ones, ten and hundred are used to perform addition and subtraction in later grades.

    3. Base-10 blocks: 

    The base-10 blocks are also proven effective to nurture counting, number-sense, and associated math skills. The colorful blocks, each representing unit “ones” are clubbed together to represent “tens” and “hundreds”. A tower of 10 unit “ones” constitutes a “ten” and a grid of such 10 “tens” forms a “hundred”.

    The base-10 blocks are highly productive to easily count and write numbers up-to 100 and more in an order using math symbols.
     

    The representation of numbers 1000, 100, 10 and 1’s using base-10 blocks
     

    How Can Children Use the Concept of Counting in Real life?

    In everyday life, counting is an essential skill that children can use in various practical situations. From shopping and cooking to planning events and organizing belongings, counting helps kids make sense of the world around them. 

    Importance of Introducing Counting to Kids through Counting Games

    Learning to count with games and enjoyable activities help young children develop their counting skills. These games use fun visuals, sounds, and engaging gameplay to make counting a fun learning experience. Through repetition and practice, kids can build a strong foundation in counting and number recognition.

    Counting Math Games vs. Traditional Methods

    What Are 5 Best Fun Counting Games and Activities for Kids?

    Here are 5 fun counting games by SplashLearn:

    //
    Frequently Asked Questions

    Your one stop solution for all grade learning needs.

    Give your child the passion and confidence to learn anything on their own fearlessly
    Parents, Sign Up for Free
    Teachers, Use for Free
    4413+ Math & English Games
    4567+ Math & English Worksheets
    Common Core Standard COPPA Certified