To teach a toddler to count to 10, count real things together every day: stairs, snacks, fingers and toys. Sing counting rhymes and pause so your child can say the next number. Don't rush. The CDC lists "Counts to 10" as a milestone by 5 years, so toddlers and preschoolers have plenty of time.
Reciting numbers vs really counting
When a toddler says "one, two, three, four, five!", it sounds like counting. Often it's something a bit different, and both stages matter.
Reciting (sometimes called rote counting) is saying the number words in order, like the words of a song. Many little ones can chant "one to ten" while pointing at nothing in particular, or skip straight from 4 to 9.
Counting objects means three things happen together:
- saying one number for each thing, no more and no less (this is called one-to-one counting);
- keeping the numbers in the right order;
- knowing that the last number tells you how many there are. "One, two, three... three ducks!"
Reciting usually comes first. Counting objects takes longer, because your child has to coordinate their eyes, hands and words at the same time.
When do toddlers learn to count to 10?
The milestone checklists give a gentle timeline.
The American Academy of Pediatrics' parent site, HealthyChildren.org, says that between 3 and 4 years a child "Understands the concept of counting and may know a few numbers." Between 4 and 5, its list includes "Can count 10 or more objects."
The CDC lists two counting milestones by 5 years: "Counts to 10" and "Names some numbers between 1 and 5 when you point to them."
A milestone is not a deadline: plenty of children count to 10 earlier, and some get there right around their fifth birthday. Our guide to what a 2-year-old should know explains how the CDC defines milestones.
Signs your toddler is getting it
Look for small steps, not perfect counting:
- They join in when you count, even with just "...three!"
- They hold up fingers and say "two" (even if it's three fingers).
- They touch objects one at a time as they count, even if the numbers wander.
- They answer "how many?" with the last number they said.
- They start counting things on their own: "One shoe, two shoe!"
Each of these is worth a happy "You counted!"
8 counting games for toddlers and preschoolers
The CDC's tips are refreshingly simple. For 3-year-olds: "Play counting games. Count body parts, stairs, and other things you use or see every day." For 4-year-olds: "Count simple things, such as fingers, toys, or bananas. This will help your child learn about numbers and counting." Here are eight ways to do just that.
- Stair counting. Count each step out loud on the way up. Stairs are great because your child feels every number.
- Snack counting. "Let's count your crackers. One, two, three!" Then eat one and count again.
- Finger counting. Hold up fingers one at a time. Wiggle each one as you say its number.
- Toy line-up. Line up cars, blocks or teddies and touch each one as you count. Moving each toy into a basket as you count it makes one-to-one counting easier.
- Bath ducks. Count ducks, cups or boats in the bath. Add one, take one away, count again.
- Body counting. "How many noses? One! How many eyes? Two!"
- Jump and count. Jump three times, clap five times, stomp twice. Counting with the whole body is a favourite.
- Trace the numbers. For preschoolers who are ready, the free number tracing printables let your child trace each numeral with a finger or crayon. Count out that many raisins or blocks to go with it.
Start with 1 to 3, then 1 to 5. Once those feel easy, stretch to 10.
Counting songs that help
Counting rhymes are a gentle way to practise the number words in order. The CDC's tips for 3-year-olds include "Teach your child simple songs and rhymes," and counting songs fit right in. Classic, well-known rhymes to try:
- "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe" with actions for each line.
- "Five Little Ducks" counting down on your fingers.
- "Ten in the Bed" where you roll over on each verse.
- "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" with bounces and a pretend phone call.
Hold up fingers for each number, slow down near the end, and pause before the next number so your child can shout it out.
Using a counting video together: pause and count along
If you use a counting video, make it active. Sit together, count out loud, and pause to count real things in the room. For how much viewing the health bodies recommend, see our guide on how much screen time is right for a 2-year-old.
From 10 to 20: what comes next?
Once 1 to 10 feels comfortable, there's no rush to go further. Many preschoolers enjoy chanting higher numbers, and the teens are tricky because "eleven" and "twelve" don't follow the pattern. Keep counting real things, add a few more numbers when your child is curious, and keep it fun. Counting toys of different colors ("How many red ones?") is a nice way to stretch the game without making it harder.
For more number ideas, visit the numbers and counting learning hub.
If you have any concerns about your child's overall development, our guide to what a 2-year-old should know explains when the CDC suggests talking to your child's doctor, and its free Learn the Signs. Act Early. checklists can help.
Watch and sing
The LumiLand counting song is coming soon. Until then, you can practise with the ABC song for toddlers: sing along, then count the letters on your fingers, or count the apples in your fruit bowl after A is for apple.
Common questions
When do toddlers learn to count to 10?
The CDC lists "Counts to 10" as a milestone by 5 years, so most toddlers are still learning. Many children chant numbers earlier, and there is a wide normal range.
What's the difference between counting and reciting numbers?
Reciting is saying the number words in order, like a song. Counting means touching or pointing to one thing for each number and knowing the last number tells you how many. Reciting usually comes first.
How do I teach counting with songs?
Pick a counting rhyme such as "Five Little Ducks" or "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe", hold up fingers for each number, and pause so your child can say the next one. Then count real things together.
Should a 3-year-old count to 20?
No health authority expects that. The CDC milestone is counting to 10 by 5 years, and HealthyChildren.org says 3-to-4-year-olds understand the concept of counting and may know a few numbers.
