Category: Count with

Tell your child about a favorite food. Ask them to name a food they like that’s in the same category, like fruit, but different. Keep count of how many different things you both like in the same category. Play the same game with something else, like clothes!

Challenge your child to find as many things as they can that are blue. Get creative by limiting the game to a specific time (three minutes or so) or place (the grocery store.) Have them count how many they find. Switch it up by looking for letters or objects instead.

At the store? Ask your child to find one orange, two apples, and three bananas (or any items on your list). As they bring them to the cart, have them count out each item one by one. Take one of the items out and ask them how many are now left.

Grab two cups before bathtime. Give your child a cup and pour water into theirs. Then ask them to pour the water back into yours. Count the number of times out loud and see how many times you can go back and forth!

Play “Beat and Repeat” anywhere. Create a rhythmic beat with two claps. Can your child copy it? Repeat until they get it. Have them create their own rhythm with two claps. Anytime someone misses, try again. Then make it three beats. How many beats can you get to? Four? Five? Six?

When you’re outside, try playing this game with your child. Give them a place to stand and have them estimate how many steps they are from you. When they walk back, count their steps together aloud. Try all different distances!

When your child is learning to walk up and down stairs, hold their hand, and count each step you take. This helps them become familiar with their numbers and it’s fun!

Have your child look for doubles of letters or numbers on signs and license plates. You can say, “Can you find two E’s on one sign outside?” Take turns and see who can find the most.