Counting Walk with Toddlers and Preschoolers

Counting Walk with Toddlers and Preschoolers

When our twins reached the age of constantly counting (often incorrectly) everything around them and we had read every counting book we owned a million times (I wish I were exaggerating), I knew I had to find more ways for them to practice.

We love going for walks so I decided to try a counting walk.

read also: 12 walk ideas for toddlers

Before the Walk

Write a list of what you think you will find outside. You can see our example below (no laughing at my drawing skills!)

I guided them a little, but for the most part they chose the things for me to write/draw on the page.

Read Also: How to Use Emergent Curriculum with Toddlers

Also gather:

  • Camera
  • Notebooks or Clipboards
  • Markers.

During the Walk

When we got outside we checked the list and headed off in search of the first thing; trees.

We counted all the trees we could see and then I wrote it on our chart and encouraged them to write about it in their journals. Once they were satisfied, we moved on to the next thing.

Note: If you are doing this with older kids, make a copy of your chart for each kid so they can work individually.

At times one of them was more interested than the other and I followed their lead.

Do not feel forced to finish your list or only count things on the list. Use it as a starting point and follow your child’s lead. The point is to count and keep math feeling fun.

read also: 5 Zero prep number activities for preschool

Counting Walk with Preschoolers. Learning Math through adventure

Get More Ideas for Adventures with Toddlers HERE