Are you ready to embark on a number-filled adventure with your preschooler? Teaching 1-20 counting is like opening a treasure chest of math magic—unlocking skills that’ll spark your child’s curiosity and set them up for big wins in learning. This guide is your roadmap to making counting from 1 to 20 a blast, with hands-on activities and strategies to fit your little learner’s unique learning needs.

We’ll dive into why counting is a game-changer for 3-5 year old’s, how to build a rock-solid foundation with numbers 0-10, fun ways to use a number line with cards for review games and name chats, and tips for tailoring activities to different learning styles and bringing siblings into the fun. Let’s make the numbers 1-20 make sense to your preschooler and find sense in the naming of them.

Why Counting to 20 Is a Big Deal

1-20 counting is like giving your preschooler a superhero cape for math. It’s the first step to mastering addition, subtraction, and number recognition, and it packs a punch for their brain:

• Number Know-How: They’ll connect numbers to real-world stuff (like “5” means five cookies!).
• One-to-One Magic: They’ll learn to match each number to one object, no skips allowed.
• Pattern Power: Spotting the order of numbers helps them think logically.
• Confidence Boost: Nailing counting feels like a victory because now they’re able to play hide-and-seek with the big kids, fueling their love for learning.

Preschoolers (ages 3-5) are little explorers who soak up knowledge through play, repetition, and hands-on fun. As their homeschool guide, you get to craft a counting journey that’s as unique as they are, turning 1-20 counting into a joyful quest.

Knowing Your Preschooler’s Number-Ready Stage

The light bulb for each math concept “turns on” at different ages for every child. Sometimes the light bulb has been on for a concept and they’re just waiting for you to teach it to them. Other times it won’t matter how much you try to teach an idea to them, their amazing brains just aren’t quite ready for that concept. As your child’s teacher you need to be aware of this and ready to accept that their counting skills develop at their own pace. Most kids this age:

• Start seeing numbers as symbols (for example, “6” means six toys).
• Can count small groups (up to 5 or 10) but might need practice to hit 20.
• Love sensory games, songs, and short bursts of learning (think 10-15 minutes).
• Thrive when you keep things fun and low-pressure.

If your child is just dipping their toes into numbers, start with 0-10. If they’re cruising through 0-10, then that means the light bulb has been on and ready for you to teach it. Now is the time to tackle those tricky teen numbers, which can throw curveballs with names like eleven instead of ten-one. But before we dive ahead let’s take a look at setting your child up for success in the teen numbers by counting 0-10.

Building a Rock-Solid Foundation in Numbers 0-10

Before your preschooler races to 20, make sure they’re rock stars at 0-10. A strong foundation keeps frustration at bay and sets them up for success. Here’s how to get there:

• Check Their Skills: Have them count from 0 to 10 aloud. Watch for skipped numbers (like forgetting 7) or mix-ups when counting objects. Use flash number cards for only numbers 0-10 and ask them to name each one.
• Hands-On Counting: Grab counting bears, blocks, or even dry beans. Start with zero (“No bears yet—zero!”) and add one at a time up to 10. Practice 4-5 times a week to build fluency. Preferably once a day.
• Number Recognition Fun: Use flashcards or a number chart to spotlight 0-10. Play matching games, like “Find the number 4 and give me 4 blocks.”
• Apple Math Magic: Try the Apple Math printable to boost counting and number recognition for 0-10. This activity uses apple cards and ladybug circle cards to match quantities to numbers, encouraging kids to check their own work and build confidence.
• Stay Chill: If they’re skipping numbers or struggling, stick with 0-10 until you know they’re confident and may come across bored when reviewing. Don’t rush to 11-20 if they’re missing multiple numbers—it’s a recipe for grumpiness.
• Cheer Them On: Celebrate their efforts to keep their spirits high, even if they goof up. Play games that involve counting that they enjoy, such as hide-and-seek.

A sturdy 0-10 base can be accomplished by methodical activities like Apple Math and exciting activities like using a number line for games. To further explore building this number foundation through games, books, and more check out the post below.

Read Next: The Ultimate Number Recognition Game

Setting Up a Number-Loving Environment

Now that we have our foundation laid, let’s jump into ways to encourage your child to enjoy math. The easiest is to integrate numbers into your daily life. Chances are they’re already there, but you don’t always count out loud. Here are a few tips to easily transform your homeschool space into a counting playground:

• Number Wall Art: Stick a 0-20 number line with cards on the wall at kid-eye level. Point to it during games to make numbers pop.
• Count Everywhere: Sneak counting into daily life—spoons at breakfast, toys during cleanup, or steps to the mailbox.
• High-Fives for Effort: Cheer small wins (for example, “Good job getting twelve this time. I knew you would!”) to keep their enthusiasm soaring.
• Keep It Light: No stress allowed for the younger kiddos (remember that light bulb)! If they hit a bump, switch activities or take a breather. Older 4 and 5 year old’s you can challenge them a little more but be sure to still keep it light.

1. Counting with Everyday Items

Turn everyday items into counting opportunities to make numbers real.

What You’ll Need:

• Objects like blocks, buttons, or cereal bits.
• Number chart or flashcards (0-20).

How to Do It:

1. Dump a pile of objects on a table.
2. Say, “Grab me 8 buttons!” and have them count aloud, touching each one.
3. Build up to 20 as they get the hang of it.
4. Use their favorite toys (like dinosaurs) for extra giggles.

Tip: For teens, count from 10 to 20, highlighting the flow (for example, “ten, eleven, twelve…”). Mostly remember that it becomes a lot about repetition and counting objects over and over again.

2. Number Songs and Chants

Songs turn 1-20 counting into a catchy tune they can’t resist.

What You’ll Need:

• Number songs (YouTube or music apps) or a homemade chant.
• Optional: props like fingers or stuffed animals.

How to Do It:

1. Belt out “Twenty Little Monkeys,” or “20 Bottles of Milk on the Wall.” Counting backwards does help!
2. Make up a chant: “1, 2, 3, will you count with me? 4, 5, 6, lets see those tricks!” Go to 20.
3. Wave fingers or wiggle toys for each number.
4. Sing daily to lock it in.

Tip: Check out YouTube for inspiration like this song from NUMBEROCK.

3. Counting with Hide-and-Seek

Hide-and-seek turns counting into a thrilling chase.

What You’ll Need:

• A safe indoor or outdoor space.
• Optional: toys to hide (such as, stuffed animals).

How to Do It:

1. Have your child count to 10 (then 20) while other kiddos or the other parent hides. If it’s just you two, then hide a stuffed animal, but before your child can hunt they have to count 1-20. These strategies allow you to remain with your child and help them count 1-20.
2. Get them to say each number loud and clear.
3. When they hit the target number, they hunt! Cheer when they find the prize.

Tip: Count together for newbies and challenge older kids to count backward from 20 while seeking.

4. Counting with Playdough

Playdough makes counting squishy and fun, if your child can handle it! My oldest kiddo would have been too excited about the playdough to focus if I had used this with him but my youngest can handle such a fun stimulating activity and still learn 1-20 counting from it. This simply depends on your child!

What You’ll Need:

• Playdough (store-bought or homemade).
• Small items (beads, pom-poms).
• Number cards (0-20).

How to Do It:

1. Roll out tiny playdough balls.
2. Pick a number card and say, “Count 12 balls!”
3. Have them poke a bead into each ball while counting.
4. Double-check together with a big high-five.

Tip: Bright playdough colors keep it exciting.

5. Number Line Hop or Hopscotch

Hop along a number line for a bouncy counting adventure. If you wish to tap into some nostalgia and teach your child 1-20 counting at the same time then check out how to play Hopscotch by following the link, Old Outdoor Games for Kids, below.

What You’ll Need:

• Painter’s tape or chalk for a 0-20 number line.

How to Do It:

1. Draw a number line on the floor or outside, labeled 0-20.
2. Call out a number, and have them hop to it, saying it aloud.
3. Mix it up for older kiddos with backward hops from 20 or skip-counting (e.g., even numbers).
4. Throw in silly moves like spins or wiggles.

Tip: Shorten to 0-10 or 11-20 for small spaces.

Read Next: Old Outdoor Games for Kids

6. Counting Games with Dice

Dice games add a roll of fun to counting.

What You’ll Need:

• Two foam dice.
• A 0-20 number chart.

How to Do It:

1. Roll one die, count the dots, and find the number on the chart.
2. Roll two dice and add them up (for example, 3 + 4 = 7). You don’t have to let your child know that they’re doing the next level of math. Instead, simply let them know that they’re going to count all the dots on the die.
3. Keep a tally to hit 20 over multiple rolls.
4. Do a victory dance at 20!

Tip: Big foam dice are easier to distinguish the dots that have been counted from the ones that haven’t.

7. Snack Time Counting

Turn snacks into a tasty counting game.

What You’ll Need:

• Snacks (grapes, crackers, carrot sticks).
• Plates or bowls.

How to Do It:

1. Say, “Put 15 grapes on your plate!” and have them count out loud.
2. Group snacks (such as, “Make piles of 5 crackers”).
3. For teens, combine groups (for example, “10 grapes plus 3 makes 13”).
4. Let them munch their counted snacks.

Tip: If your child is very adverse to counting then consider choosing more exciting snacks then carrot sticks. My middle kiddo was very contrary when it came to counting and it was difficult to tell if he was purposefully getting answers wrong. This snack time counting activity remedied this situation for me because he was so motivated to get the gummies that he did his absolute best. Word of warning: Be ready to stand your ground -no counting, no gummies!

8. Counting with Crafts

Crafts mix creativity with 1-20 counting.

What You’ll Need:

• Construction paper, glue, scissors, stickers.
• Markers or crayons.

How to Do It:

1. Cut out 20 paper circles for a “counting caterpillar.”
2. Number them 0-20 and have your child add stickers (such as, “Stick 5 on circle 5”).
3. Glue circles into a caterpillar, counting as you go.
4. Show off their masterpiece in a preferred location in your home.

Tip: Swap for a train or rocket to match their interests.

9. Number Line Review Games and Teen Number Chats

A wall number line with cards makes 1-20 counting interactive and helps demystify teen numbers.

What You’ll Need:

• Index cards or paper with numbers 0-20, taped to the wall in a line. The more plain the better! The only fun I had with our number line is that I printed it on bright colored paper. No illustrations or anything else that will distract your preschooler.
• Small toys (such as, toy cars).
• Optional: flashcards with numbers or objects.

How to Do It:

1. Tape a 0-20 number line on the wall at kid height.
2. Game 1: Number Dash – Place a toy at 0. Say, “Zoom to 12!” and have them move it, counting each step aloud.
3. Game 2: Number Detective – Point to a number and ask, “What’s this?” or “What’s next?”
4. Game 3: Match It Up – Hand them flashcards with numbers or objects (for example, 5 stars) to match to the wall.
5. Teen Number Chats: After we have been counting to 20 for a bit, I’ll zoom in on 11-20. Point to 11 and say, “Eleven is ten plus one.” Explain the pattern: “Twelve is ten plus two, thirteen is ten plus three,” noting quirks like “Eleven and twelve are special names.” Practice saying teen names, pointing to each card. Point out that some of the teens have a trend. Such as, as when the digit “6” has a “1” in front of it we say “six – teen”. This pattern goes for “seven-teen, ” and so on. By explaining this to your child they can pick up on these nuances quicker. Then, in the future when helping them you can ask “what is this digit here?” “…and if there’s a 1 in front of it we say what after that number?”
   • Tip: They may try to say “one-teen,” or “three-teen.” Gently remind them that, unfortunately eleven is a funny number as well as fifteen, and so on.

Tip: Add goofy challenges (e.g., “Skip to 15 and roar!”) for laughs.

More tips for learning teens are below!

Adapting Activities for Different Learning Styles

Every preschooler has their own learning groove. Tailoring 1-20 counting to their style makes it click:

• Visual Vibers: Lean on colorful number charts, flashcards, or the wall number line. Use bright blocks in Counting with Everyday Stuff or vivid colors in the caterpillar craft.
• Sound Seekers: Crank up the counting songs and chants. Have them repeat teen names during Number Line Chats or clap rhythms while counting.
• Mover and Shakers: Get them bouncing with Number Line Hop or Hide-and-Seek. Add movement to any activity (such as, dance to each number in a song).
• Touchy-Feely Kids: Focus on tactile fun like Playdough Counting or Crafts. Let them squish, stick, or sort objects.
• Mix-and-Match Learners: Blend styles—like pairing Number Line Hop (mover) with a chant (sound) or using Apple Math (visual and touchy) while saying numbers (sound).

How to Tweak:

1. Watch what lights them up. Do they giggle during songs or love squishing playdough?
2. Adjust activities to their spark. For a mover, make the number hunt a race; for a visual kid, add glitter to the craft.
3. Mix up activities to hit their favorite style each session.

Tip: If they’re stuck, try a new style. Swap flashcards for a hop-along game if visuals aren’t clicking.

Involving Siblings or Playmates

Bringing siblings or friends into 1-20 counting turns learning into a party:

• Group Games: Play Hide-and-Seek with everyone counting to 20, taking turns hiding. For Number Dash, have kids race toys to numbers on the wall line.
• Team Quests: During Snack Time Counting, split snacks and count portions as a group.
• Buddy Teaching: Let an older sibling lead Counting with Everyday Stuff or Match It Up. Teaching helps them, too!
• Play Shop: Set up a store with play money (numbers 1-20). Kids count to buy items, taking turns as shopkeeper or customer.
• Cheer Squad: When your preschooler hits a milestone (like counting to 20), get siblings or friends to join a silly dance party.

How to Manage:

1. Match activities to all kids’ ages. Keep younger ones on 0-10; challenge older ones with skip-counting.
2. Keep competition friendly to avoid tears. Focus on teamwork.
3. Rotate roles (leader, helper) for fairness.

Tip: No siblings? Be their playmate or invite a friend for a counting playdate.

Tips for Teaching Teen Numbers (11-20)

Teen numbers can be pesky with their odd names. Here’s how to tame them:

• Break It Down: Show 13 as “ten plus three” with blocks or the number line.
• Visual Boost: Use 10-frame grids to show 11 as a full 10 plus 1 more.
• Repeat, Repeat: Count 10-20 daily, playing up the “teen” sound and quirky names.

Addressing Common Challenges

• Skipping Numbers: Point to the wall number line to keep the sequence straight.
• Teen Name Mix-Ups: Focus on one number (such as, “fourteen”) for a few days.
• Wandering Attention: Keep activities short and switch them up.
• Frustration Flares: Take a break and cheer effort, not just perfection.

Integrating Counting into Daily Life

Sneak 1-20 counting into your day:

• Morning: Count the steps going down or buttons on their PJs.
• Mealtime: Tally up the berries.
• Playtime: Count jumps or blocks in a fort.
• Bedtime: Number stars on a nightlight or storybook pages.

Assessing Progress

Gauge your preschooler’s 1-20 counting skills:

• Oral Counting: Have them count to 20. Spot any skips or stumbles.
• Number Recognition: Flash 0-20 cards out of order and ask them to name each.
• One-to-One Correspondence: Ask them to count 15 objects, touching each.
• Teen Names: Have them name teen numbers or point them out on the wall line.

Celebrate wins (like counting to 20 or nailing teen names) with stickers or a dance party.

Free Printable for 1-20 Counting

I’m excited to share this free printable that can help your child learn to count to 20. I chose a yarn theme because it is a part of a full homeschool preschool curriculum, which is free! The great news is that this printable can be used individually too so check it out below and get your little mathematician not only counting to 20 confidently but recognizing numbers 1-20 too. I highly recommend using Velcro stickers to make this more fun for little hands.

Confident Counters

Teaching 1-20 counting to your preschooler is a beautiful, albeit bumpy road that when done right can spark a love for numbers and math. With a solid 0-10 foundation (thanks to tools like Apple Math), fun activities like hide-and-seek, a wall number line for games and teen number chats, and tweaks for learning styles, you’ll make counting a blast. Keep it playful, stay patient, and celebrate every step—your little mathematician will be counting to 20 like a pro in no time!

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