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Number Sense

Outdoor counting games

Use leaves, stones, steps and chalk to practise early counting outside.

Quick answer

Outdoor counting games help children learn to count, recognise numbers, and understand quantities using natural materials and real-world experiences outside.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to count objects outside and match numbers to groups of things in your environment. Success signs:
  • You can count up to 20 objects outside
  • You can recognise numbers 1-20 in different ways
  • You can match a number to a group of things
  • You can play a counting game using natural items

Why this matters

Counting games outside help children understand numbers in real life. When you count leaves, stones, or steps, you learn that numbers show how many things there are. This builds number sense – that's how well you understand numbers. Outdoor counting helps you see that maths is all around you, not just in books or on screens. It also helps you practice counting, number recognition, and one-to-one matching – the skill of counting one object for each number.

How it works

Counting outside is simple:
  1. Find something to count – like leaves, pebbles, or sticks
  2. Count them one by one
  3. Match the total to a number
  4. Play a game with your counting
Start with small numbers like 1 to 5, then go higher. You can count in a line, in a pile, or scattered on the ground. The key is to touch or move each object as you count it, so you know you've counted each one once.

Examples you can see

Here are some fun ways to count outside: Example 1: Leaf Counting You find 6 leaves on the ground. You pick them up one by one and say "one, two, three, four, five, six". You know that 6 means six leaves. You can draw a picture of your 6 leaves or put them in a small bag. Example 2: Stone Steps You walk up 10 steps. You count each step as you go: "one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten". You've counted 10 steps. You can do this again and again to practice. Example 3: Chalk Numbers You draw numbers 1 to 5 in the dirt with chalk. Then you find that many objects. For number 3, you find 3 flowers or 3 rocks. This helps you match numbers to groups. Example 4: Tree Counting You see 8 trees in your garden. You point to each one and count: "one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight". You know there are 8 trees. You can write the number 8 on a piece of paper.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Nature Hunt You are a nature detective! Your mission is to find and count different items in your garden or outside.
  1. First time: Find 3 flowers
  2. Second time: Count 5 stones
  3. Third time: Collect 7 leaves
  4. Fourth time: Count 4 birds (if you see any)
  5. Fifth time: Draw 6 sticks
At the end, you have a collection of different items. You can sort them into groups and count how many items you found in each group.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Counting the same object twice or missing one.
    Why it happens: It's easy to get confused when counting quickly.
    Fix: Touch or move each object as you count it. If you make a mistake, start over and count again.
  • Mistake: Saying numbers out of order.
    Why it happens: Sometimes children know the numbers but not the correct order.
    Fix: Practice counting forwards and backwards. Use your fingers or small objects to help.
  • Mistake: Thinking 10 is bigger than 20.
    Why it happens: Young children often confuse number names.
    Fix: Use real objects to show that 20 is more than 10. Count 20 objects to see the difference.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Playing counting games outside with their child
  • Encouraging the child to count things they see
  • Practising counting backwards and forwards
  • Using everyday moments to count – like steps, toys, or snacks
  • Not worrying if the child makes a mistake – it's part of learning
To help your child, say things like:
  • "Let's count how many leaves you can find."
  • "Can you show me 5 rocks?"
  • "How many steps are there to the tree?"
  • "Let's count how many birds we see."
Remember, it's not about getting the right answer every time. It's about enjoying the counting and learning together.

Practice questions

  1. Count 5 leaves. What number do you say?
  2. You see 3 stones. How many stones are there?
  3. You find 8 sticks. What number is that?
  4. Count 10 steps. What number do you say?
  5. You collect 6 flowers. How many flowers do you have?
Answers:
  1. 5
  2. 3
  3. 8
  4. 10
  5. 6

FAQ

What are some good outdoor items to count?

Good items include leaves, stones, sticks, flowers, birds, clouds, steps, and toys. Anything you can touch and move around is great for counting.

How can I make counting more fun?

Make it a game! Try "Count and Collect", where you find and count items, or "Number Hunt", where you look for specific numbers in your garden or playground.

What if my child gets confused while counting?

It's normal! Keep it simple and practice often. Use real objects, touch each item as you count, and let your child take their time. Mistakes are part of learning.

Can I use counting games for older children too?

Yes! Older children can count larger numbers, match numbers to groups, and even add or subtract using outdoor items. You can make the games more complex as they get better at counting.

How often should I play outdoor counting games?

Once or twice a day is great. It doesn't need to be long – just a few minutes of counting can help build number sense. Try it during walks, playtime, or even when you're waiting in the car.