5 Hands-On Counting Activities for Preschoolers

Play-based learning that makes numbers come alive!

Preschoolers learn best when math is connected to play, movement, and meaningful exploration. These simple hands-on activities help young children understand counting in natural, joyful ways — no worksheets required (though they pair beautifully with your math hubs!).

Here are five easy counting activities your preschoolers will love.

1. Counting Bears in Cups

Give children small cups labeled 1–10 and a handful of counting bears. Kids sort the correct number of bears into each cup.
For added challenge, encourage them to line the cups up in numerical order or create simple patterns with the bears.

Focus: number recognition, one-to-one correspondence
 Math Worksheets

2. Pom-Pom Drop Game

Write numbers on cardboard tubes and tape them to the wall. Children drop the matching number of pom-poms into each tube.
This becomes an instant classroom favorite because it mixes counting with movement and hand–eye coordination.

Focus: counting, gross motor skills

3. Playdough Number Mats

Use number mats and invite children to roll small playdough balls to match each number.
This is perfect during theme weeks — like making “snowballs,” “apples,” “seeds,” or “berries” depending on the unit you’re teaching.

Focus: number sense, fine motor
 Fine Motor Worksheets

4. Button Counting Pictures

Give children a simple picture outline (tree, snowman, flower) and a bowl of buttons.
They place the correct number of buttons on each part of the picture — for example, 3 ornaments on the tree or 2 buttons on the snowman. It’s a great combination of counting and creativity.

Focus: counting objects, following directions

5. Counting Clip Cards

Children use clothespins to clip the correct number on counting cards (1–10).
This independent activity strengthens hand muscles for writing and builds confidence as children match quantities to numerals.

Focus: number matching, fine motor

Counting becomes more meaningful when preschoolers can touch, move, and play with objects. These simple activities help children build strong early math foundations through joyful, hands-on exploration.

Try one this week and watch your little learners grow confident with numbers!