Count to 10: what children learn
Counting to 10 means saying one number for each thing and knowing that the last number said tells you how many there are.
Each card shows a row of 1 to 10 animals. Children count the row and match it to its number card.
This topic links to an early learning goal in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework for England (Number). Children at the expected level of development will: “Have a deep understanding of numbers to 10, including the composition of each number”. 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
Pick a card on the left, then the card on the right that matches it. Each game has 5 pairs. Wrong matches are counted as mistakes, and you get three stars for a game with no mistakes.
Step by step
- Play together. Sit with your child and read the words on screen aloud. Let them do the tapping and dragging.
- Touch and count. Point to each animal as you say a number, from left to right.
- Say the last number. The last number you say is how many. Say it again and find that number card.
- Check the match. If a pair is not right, count the row again slowly.
Worked examples
Example 1: 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢
Working: Count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. The last number is 9.
Answer: 9
Example 2: 🐸🐸🐸
Working: 1, 2, 3: three frogs.
Answer: 3
Example 3: 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
Working: Count 1 to 6, pointing at each bee.
Answer: 6
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Skipping or counting a picture twice Point to each picture once, moving left to right.
- Saying numbers faster than pointing Slow down so each number goes with one touch.
- Mixing up 6 and 9 Look at the number card closely, or say it aloud together.
Activities to try at home
- Count stairs as you climb them, saying one number per step.
- Count toys back into a box, one at a time.
- Lay out up to 10 spoons and ask how many before you set the table.
Ideas for the classroom
- Count claps, jumps or drum beats together up to 10.
- Use ten-frames and counters for children to show a number.
- Ask pairs to count objects in a tray and agree on the total.
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 is the game only up to 10?
Knowing numbers to 10 well, including how they are made up, is the main number goal for the end of Reception.
What if my child knows the numbers but miscounts?
That is very common. Touching each picture once while counting helps more than going faster.
Can it be played with a keyboard?
Yes. Tab to a card, press Enter to pick it, then pick its partner.