How to Teach Counting And Cardinality in Preschool

Counting and cardinality are essential math concepts that preschoolers need to learn to develop a strong foundation in math. Counting and cardinality skills are the ability to count and understand numbers and how numbers relate to each other.

Here are some strategies for teaching counting and cardinality to preschoolers.

Introduce Counting

The first step in teaching counting and cardinality is to introduce counting. Start with counting orally, using numbers from one to ten. You can count fingers or toes, blocks, or other objects. As your child becomes more comfortable with counting, increase the number range to 20 or more.

Practice Counting Objects

Once your child has learned how to rote count, you can practice counting objects. Provide a variety of things to count, such as blocks, toys, or snacks. Make sure the objects are small enough for your child to count one by one. Ask your child to count the objects and say the corresponding number out loud. You should model it first, then do it together until they can do it independently.

Activity Spotlight: Read and Count

In this simple and low-prep activity, students pick a card, read the number, count that many objects, and put it in the jar.

Teach One-to-One Correspondence

One-to-one correspondence is the ability to match one object to one number. This is a crucial skill in counting and cardinality. You can help your student develop this skill by asking them to touch each object as they count. This will help them understand that each object corresponds to a number.

Practice Number Recognition

In addition to counting, preschoolers need to recognize numbers. You can help your child practice number recognition by pointing out numbers in the environment, such as on signs or books. You can also play games that involve identifying and naming numbers.

Number Recognition Practice Worksheets

Numbers 1 to 30 Practice Pages

Number Sense Counting Worksheets (Subitizing Numbers)

Teach Number Relationships

You can introduce number relationships as your child becomes more comfortable with counting and cardinality. For example, you can ask your child which number comes after three or before five. This will help them understand how numbers relate to each other.

Be patient and provide positive feedback to encourage your child’s learning.

Activity Spotlight: Count and Compare

For this partner activity, students roll a die and put that many objects in their cups. They compare who has more or less.

Get Counting Activities for Preschoolers

Teaching counting and cardinality to preschoolers is essential in building their math skills. Check out these preschool math centers. These activities are hands-on (no worksheets)!

The focus is counting, cardinality, and comparing numbers using fun counting games. Check out all of these activities and more here.

How do you teach counting in preschool? Let me know in the comments section below.