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Number Sense

Counting to 20 without rushing

Build teen numbers through songs, objects, frames and number lines.

Quick answer

You can count to 20 without rushing by using your fingers, objects, number lines, and songs to help you keep track of numbers and understand how they grow.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count to 20 in order, using different tools and methods to help you keep your place and know exactly how many you have. Success signs:
  • You can count from 1 to 20 without skipping or repeating numbers
  • You can use your fingers, objects, or a number line to help you count
  • You can say the numbers in order, even when someone asks you to count quickly
  • You can count objects and tell how many there are without counting again

Why this matters

Counting to 20 is a big step in learning maths. It helps you understand how numbers grow and how they connect to real things. When you can count to 20, you are ready to learn how to add and subtract, and to understand bigger numbers. It's also helpful when you're playing games, sharing snacks, or counting how many toys you have. Even grown-ups use counting to keep track of things. When you're playing football, you count the goals. When you're cooking, you count the ingredients. When you're on a bus, you count the stops. Counting helps you understand how many things there are and how they change.

How it works

Counting to 20 means saying the numbers in order from 1 to 20. Here’s how to do it step by step:
  1. Start with the number 1
  2. Count each number one by one: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  3. Keep going to 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
  4. Use your fingers or objects to help you count
  5. Don’t rush – take your time and say each number clearly
It helps to practice counting in different ways. You can count with your fingers, with toys, or by walking around and counting steps. The more you practice, the easier it gets.

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you’re counting your toys. You have 15 toy cars. Here’s how you can count them without rushing:
  • First, you put all the cars in a line
  • Then, you point to each car and say the number as you go
  • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
You can also use a number line to help you. A number line is a line with numbers on it, like this:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
You can move your finger along the line to help you count. When you get to 15, you know that’s how many cars you have.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Counting to 20 in the Garden You are going on a counting adventure in your garden. You need to find 20 different things and count them carefully. 1st time: Find 1 flower 2nd time: Find 2 leaves 3rd time: Find 3 stones 4th time: Find 4 sticks 5th time: Find 5 birds 6th time: Find 6 butterflies 7th time: Find 7 worms 8th time: Find 8 rocks 9th time: Find 9 flowers 10th time: Find 10 trees 11th time: Find 11 birds 12th time: Find 12 bugs 13th time: Find 13 flowers 14th time: Find 14 shells 15th time: Find 15 stones 16th time: Find 16 leaves 17th time: Find 17 sticks 18th time: Find 18 birds 19th time: Find 19 butterflies 20th time: Find 20 flowers After you finish, you can count them all again to check if you got 20.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Skipping numbers when counting, like 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
    Why it happens: You might be too excited or not paying attention
    Fix: Count slowly and carefully. Use your fingers or objects to help you
  • Mistake: Counting the same object twice
    Why it happens: You might not keep track of what you’ve counted
    Fix: Point to each object once and say the number clearly
  • Mistake: Counting too fast to keep track
    Why it happens: You want to finish quickly
    Fix: Slow down and count each number clearly
  • Mistake: Not knowing which number comes next
    Why it happens: You might not have practiced enough
    Fix: Practice counting every day with songs or games

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Practicing counting with your child every day
  • Using everyday objects like toys, food, or steps to count
  • Letting your child count slowly and carefully
  • Using number songs or rhymes to help with memory
  • Not worrying if your child counts a bit slowly at first
  • Encouraging your child to count things around them
  • Using games like “Count the steps” or “Count the toys”
Remember, it’s not about being fast – it’s about being accurate. Help your child enjoy counting and make it fun.

Practice questions

  1. Count from 1 to 20. What number comes after 12?
  2. How many fingers do you have on one hand?
  3. Count 5 objects and tell how many you have.
  4. What number comes before 18?
  5. Count to 20 using your fingers. What number do you reach?
Answers:
  1. 13
  2. 5
  3. 5
  4. 17
  5. 20

FAQ

Why is counting to 20 important?

Counting to 20 helps you understand numbers and how they grow. It helps you learn to add and subtract later. It also helps you count things in real life, like your toys or snacks.

How can I practice counting to 20?

You can practice by counting objects, using your fingers, singing number songs, or walking and counting your steps. You can also count with a parent or friend.

What if I get confused while counting?

If you get confused, take a deep breath and start again. Use your fingers or objects to help you keep track. It’s okay to count slowly!

Can I count higher than 20?

Yes! Once you are good at counting to 20, you can go higher. You can count to 100 or even more. But first, it’s good to be confident with 20.

What are some fun ways to count to 20?

You can count while walking, sing number songs, use toys or blocks, or play games like “Count the steps” or “Count the flowers.”