Early math

Early Counting with Picture Worksheets

Support one-to-one correspondence, stable number order and accurate counting with visual groups.

5 min readParents & educatorsKindergartenLab learning library

In this guide

Printable example related to this guide

Children can recite number words before they understand that each object must be counted once. Picture worksheets are most valuable when adults encourage an organised counting strategy rather than guessing from the size of a group.

Touch or mark each object

Ask the child to point, move a finger or make a tiny mark as each item is counted. This keeps the spoken number connected to one object.

Christmas Tree Playdough Mat printable worksheet example — Worksheet exampleChristmas Tree Playdough Mat

Rearrange mentally

For scattered pictures, count from left to right or divide the area into sections. An organised scan prevents missed and repeated objects.

Telling Time: Read the Clock (O'Clock) printable worksheet example — Worksheet exampleTelling Time: Read the Clock (O'Clock)

Ask what the last number means

After counting, ask how many there are altogether. The answer should be the final number said, helping children understand cardinality.

Early Counting with Picture Worksheets

Touch or mark each object

Rearrange mentally

Ask what the last number means

Put the guide into practice

Color the Number 1-4

Christmas Tree Playdough Mat

Telling Time: Read the Clock (O'Clock)

Count and Mark Objects: Tomato, Strawberry, Tangerine

Dot To Dot: Christmas Tree Dot To Dot

Greater / Smaller Number