Counting Worksheets: How to Teach Counting to 20

Counting to 20 is a big milestone for preschoolers. It happens in small steps. Here is how to support each one.

Step 1: Count to 5

Count fingers, toes and toys. Make sure each object is touched once.

Step 2: Count to 10

Use songs, hand actions and ten-frames. Ten-frames show 10 as a full group, which helps children see how numbers are made.

Step 3: The teen numbers

The numbers from 11 to 19 are often the trickiest because the names do not follow a clear pattern. Count a group of 10, then add one at a time: ten and one, ten and two.

Step 4: Reach 20

Count 20 objects in two lines of ten. Then count again and compare.

Counting worksheet tips

• Use pages with clear groups to count.
• Count out loud, touching each object.
• Circle each group as you finish it.
• Write the number last.
• Keep sessions short.

Games for counting to 20

• Count up the stairs as you climb.
• Line up 20 toys and count them.
• Roll two dice and add the dots.
• Jump along a number line chalked on the ground.

Use the free chart to count along each day. Counting with Aussie Animals gives each number from 1 to 20 its own page.