Counting objects: printable worksheets

Counting is the first big idea in early math, and it is much more than reciting numbers in order. A child who counts a group of pictures has to touch each one exactly once, keep track of which ones are already counted, and understand that the last number said tells how many are in the whole group. This worksheet gives young learners that practice, with large friendly pictures and big print that is easy for small hands and eyes.

Each problem shows a group of pictures. Depending on the settings you choose, a child circles the right number, writes the number, marks each picture while counting, circles the group that matches a number, or traces the numeral. You can start with small groups in a neat line, then move on to bigger groups that are scattered across the page or arranged in tidy rows, which is harder because the child has to invent a way to keep track.

How to use the sheet

Sit beside your child for the first few problems. Ask them to point to each picture as they say a number, then ask how many there are in all. If they lose their place, let them slide a finger or a small counter along the group, or mark each picture as it is counted. Praise the careful counting, not only the right answer.

• Pick one kind of picture, such as apples, for the gentlest start.
• Turn on pictures that should not be counted to build attention to detail.
• Include zero when your child is ready to learn that an empty group still has a count.

When you press the button above, the same sample opens in the builder. There you can change the settings and print a fresh set of problems with its own answer key.