Count beyond 20: what children learn
Counting beyond 20 means carrying on past 20, noticing the pattern: 21, 22, 23 follow the same 1 to 9 pattern as before.
Each round shows four numbers mixed up. Children put them in counting order, starting from the smallest.
This topic links to an early learning goal in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework for England (Numerical Patterns). Children at the expected level of development will: “Verbally count beyond 20, recognising the pattern of the counting system”. Reception children are usually aged 4–5.
There is no direct equivalent in the US Common Core State Standards. England EYFS (Reception) early learning goal; not published for the US.
How to play
Put the numbers in order. Use the arrow buttons, or pick one card and then another to swap them. Each game has 5 rounds. After you press Check, the correct order is shown if you got it wrong.
Step by step
- Play together. Sit with your child and read the words on screen aloud. Let them do the tapping and dragging.
- Say the first number. Find where the counting starts, then count on aloud.
- Use the pattern. After 19 comes 20; after 29 comes 30.
- Check by counting. Say the whole row aloud once it is in order.
Worked examples
Example 1: 21, 19, 22, 20
Working: Count on from 19: 19, 20, 21, 22.
Answer: 19, 20, 21, 22
Example 2: 17, 16, 19, 18
Working: Start at 16 and count on.
Answer: 16, 17, 18, 19
Example 3: 30, 28, 31, 29
Working: 28, 29, then a new ten: 30, 31.
Answer: 28, 29, 30, 31
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Saying "twenty-ten" after 29 After 29 comes 30. Say the tens together: 10, 20, 30.
- Mixing up 12 and 21 Look at the first digit; 21 starts with 2.
- Starting from the first card shown Find the smallest number first.
Activities to try at home
- Count steps or jumps past 20 on a walk.
- Count down from 25 for a rocket launch.
- Play hide and seek and count to 30.
Ideas for the classroom
- Use a 100 square and point while counting past 20.
- Count the children in the class each morning.
- Make a number washing line from 15 to 30 and mix up cards.
Free printable game and worksheet
The free printable starts with a game sheet, such as a colour-by-answer picture, an answer maze or a secret-code joke, followed by a worksheet. Both use the same checked questions as the online game, and the answers are on the last page. Print it, or save it as a PDF from your browser’s print menu.
Open the free printable game and worksheet
Frequently asked questions
Why count past 20 so early?
Counting beyond 20 helps children notice the pattern of the counting system, which the early learning goal asks for.
Does my child need to read the numbers?
Reading the numerals helps, but adults can read the numbers aloud while children decide the order.
Can it be played with a keyboard?
Yes. Tab to a card and use the move buttons to put it in the right place, then check your order.