Free Interactive Counting Games for Young Children

How to Practice Counting at Home

One of the most effective ways for young children to practice counting is to play fun counting games. Provide encouragement and motivation to your child by showing your own enthusiasm about his new counting skills. In addition, play the games with your child, so that he feels you're learning to count together.

Make sure your child gets frequent and consistent practice. Take advantage of every opportunity to have your child count. Any time you and your child are around objects that can be counted, count them together for extra practice.

Count along with your child. Your participation will demonstrate that you think it's important. You could count in chorus or take turns, so that you say the odd numbers and your child says the even numbers. Counting together can help to make the experience fun and provide a bonding experience for you both.

Counting Games for Young Children

Many small children love animals. Take your child to the zoo and have her count the animals in each exhibit. Alternatively, have your child count the animals' legs, horns and ears.

Use food items, like pieces of candy or crackers, to practice counting. Have your child count the total number of crackers. Then, as he eats the crackers one by one, have him count backwards. Counting backwards may be difficult for your child, but it can help familiarize him with the number system.

You and your child can play a version of 'I Spy' that incorporates counting. For instance, if there are eight flowers in a vase, you can say to your child, 'I spy eight of something.' Your child will get practice counting as she looks for the items.

During a thunderstorm, count the number of seconds between a flash of lightning and the sound of thunder. Some kids don't like storms, but this activity can turn something scary into something fun and educational.

For a challenge, you and your child can try to count all the stars in the sky. This activity can be good practice for counting to high numbers.