Counting Songs for Toddlers
Count 1 to 10 with Bobo the teddy bear: snack-time counting games, number tracing and simple counting songs to sing.
Toddlers usually say number words in order before they can count real things one by one. HealthyChildren.org (AAP) says that between 3 and 4 years a child "Understands the concept of counting and may know a few numbers," and the CDC lists "Counts to 10" as a milestone by 5 years, so toddlers and preschoolers have plenty of time. On LumiLand, Bobo the teddy bear hosts numbers, because he loves food and hugs and both are perfect for counting.
Coming soon to LumiLand
There isn't a LumiLand counting song yet. Our first episode is the ABC song for toddlers, and The Color Song is coming soon. Until a counting song joins them, you don't need a video to start. Any familiar tune can become a counting song, and the games on this page work with things you already have at home.
Why counting songs for toddlers work
Number words come in a fixed order, and a tune makes that order easy to remember. A simple number song 1-10 for kids repeats the same pattern again and again, which is exactly what toddlers enjoy. Clapping, bouncing or holding up fingers along with the words adds movement, so the numbers are felt as well as heard.
Saying numbers in order and really counting are two different skills. A child might sing "one, two, three" perfectly and still count three blocks as "five". Counting songs for preschoolers help with the words, and touching objects one by one helps with the meaning. Doing both together is the sweet spot.
How to count together: say it, touch it, show it
Say it. Count out loud during everyday moments: stairs, socks, buttons, bites of banana. Little ears pick up the pattern from hearing it often.
Touch it. Help your child touch or move each object as you say its number. Pushing a toy across the table for each count makes the "one number, one thing" idea easy to see.
Show it. Finish by holding up the right number of fingers and saying, "Three! We have three!" That last number is the answer to "How many?", which is a big idea for a small child.
Keep it short and silly. Count Bobo's pretend cookies, count the ducks in the bath, count how many jumps it takes to reach the door. When counting 1 to 10 feels easy, you can try counting songs to 20, a few new numbers at a time.
Number tracing and more help
When your child starts noticing numerals on doors, clocks and birthday cards, our free number tracing pages give them a calm way to practise the shapes of 1 to 10. Trace one number, then go and find that many things around the room.
For step-by-step ideas, read our tips article on how to teach a toddler to count to 10. It covers what a typical progression looks like and simple ways to practise without drills.
Games to play at home
No screen needed. Try one today.
Bobo's snack count
Put a few crackers or berries on a plate and count them together before eating. Then count how many are left after each bite.
Stair count
Count each step out loud as you go up or down the stairs. Hold hands and slow down for the big numbers.
Hug count
Ask your child how many hugs Bobo should get today, then count them out with a teddy. Try a different number tomorrow.
Toy parade
Line up toys and count them as they march into the toy box. Count backwards to take them out again.
Clap and jump
Call out a number and clap or jump that many times together. Start small, with one to five.
Spoon count
While setting the table, count the spoons, cups or plates. Ask how many people are eating and check that it matches.
Questions parents ask
How high should my toddler be able to count?
There is no single number to aim for. Many toddlers enjoy saying numbers in order before they understand what they mean. Counting real things, one at a time, matters more than how high they go.
My child says 1, 2, 3, 5, 9. Is that OK?
Yes, skipped and mixed-up numbers are a normal part of learning to count. Keep counting together out loud and the order settles over time.
What is the difference between reciting numbers and counting?
Reciting is saying the number words in order, like a song. Counting means matching one number to each object, so the last number tells you how many. Songs help with the first; touching and moving objects helps with the second.
Is there a LumiLand counting song?
Not yet. Our first episode is the ABC song, and The Color Song is next. Until a counting song arrives, the games on this page and any simple counting rhyme work well.
Should we count to 20 or stay at 10?
Follow your child. Stay at 1 to 10 until it feels easy and fun, then try counting songs to 20 together, a few numbers at a time.
Parent tips
Sources
Bobo has new songs on the way
Subscribe free on YouTube to sing along with every new LumiLand episode.
