How to Teach Your Child to Count and Recognize Numbers (1–20)

The skill that turns number words into real meaning. Your child learns that counting is not just saying numbers in order, but matching each number to one real object.

Pick the activities that fit naturally into your day and repeat them. Counting clicks when it shows up during snacks, stairs, errands, and play, not just at a table.

This is the foundation for everything that follows: comparison, addition, subtraction, and problem solving.

Before You Start

Your child should be able to say some numbers in order and recognize a few written numbers. If counting feels inconsistent, slow it down and count together using real objects.

5 Ways to Build This Skill Daily

Number Hunt Walk

Out for a walk or running errands? Numbers are everywhere. House numbers, mailboxes, menus, price tags, signs. Ask your child to spot a number you call out or tell you what comes before or after one they see. You will be surprised how quickly they start pointing them out on their own.

Snack Time Counting

Serving snacks? Count them before eating. Move them into a line, then into a circle, then into small groups. “Did the number change when we moved them?” This is where kids start realizing numbers do not disappear just because things move.

Staircase Counting

Heading up the stairs? Count one number per step. Coming down? Count backward. Pause halfway and ask what number comes next. Add hopping, stomping, or tiptoeing if energy is high. Stairs suddenly feel a lot more interesting.

Daily Spotter

Got blocks, sticks, playdough, chalk, or just your bodies? Build numbers. “How many pieces did you use?” “Can you build the same number a different way?” Perfection does not matter here. Exploration does.

If your child starts counting confidently without reminders or seems bored because it feels easy, that is your cue to move on. Circle back later if skills need a refresh. A quick count during snacks or stairs does the trick.

When You Have Focused Time

Counting Beads Exploration using Counting Beads by Melissa & Doug

Slide beads one at a time while counting aloud. Make small groups, then bigger ones. Notice patterns as numbers grow, especially around five and ten. Once it clicks, they will start doing it for fun.

Dot Card Match using Tiny Polka Dot by Math for Love

Spread out dot cards and numeral cards. Match quantities that belong together or find pairs showing the same amount. “How did you know without counting?” Kids love explaining their thinking when it feels like a game.

Helpful Resources

Here are resources that will reinforce your teaching in a fun, fresh manner.

Books

Tools (Manipulatives or Toys)

Counting Collections

Cleaning up toys or sorting random things? Make a small pile and count together, touching one item at a time. “How can we keep track so we do not count the same thing twice?” Before long, your child will start grouping on their own.

What’s Next:

Once your child can count objects accurately to 20 and recognize numbers without guessing, move on to Concept 2: Comparing Numbers and Quantities. This is where ideas like more, fewer, and same begin to click and prepare them for addition and subtraction.