Counting: how the skill grows from 18 to 36 months
Counting means hearing and using number words in play and routines: counting steps, asking for "two", noticing "more". Early counting is mostly rhythm and number talk; matching one number to one object comes later.
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Counting: the ladder, step by step
Pick the step that looks most like your child today. The next step and activities that practise it appear below.
No step picked yet. There is no wrong answer: pick the closest one.
Next step: Joins in songs. Shouts a number word in a counting rhyme.
Activities that fit this step
- One Sock Ball per Cup · 13–22 months · 5–10 min
- Count-Along Picture Book · 15–27 months · 5–10 min
- One for You, One for Me Snack · 15–27 months · 5–10 min
Next step: Recites a few numbers. Says "one, two" while pointing, not always to separate things.
Activities that fit this step
- One for You, One for Me Snack · 15–27 months · 5–10 min
- Count-the-Stairs Walk Up · 16–28 months · 3–8 min
- Kick Over the Tube Pins · 20–36 months · 5–12 min
Next step: Gives two. Hands you two blocks when you ask for two.
Activities that fit this step
- Kick Over the Tube Pins · 20–36 months · 5–12 min
- Box Drum Copy-the-Beat · 24–34 months · 3–8 min
- Rolled-Sock Snowball Throw · 24–34 months · 5–12 min
Next step: Counts a small set. Points to three objects one by one and says "one, two, three".
Activities that fit this step
- Dough Birthday Cake Party · 25–36 months · 10–15 min
- Clothespin Count on the Bucket · 26–36 months · 5–10 min
- Dough Balls in an Egg Carton · 26–36 months · 5–15 min
Top of the ladder (counts a small set). Keep it flexible: offer it in a new place, with a different person or with new materials.
Activities that fit this step
- Clothespin Count on the Bucket · 26–36 months · 5–10 min
- Dough Balls in an Egg Carton · 26–36 months · 5–15 min
- Ice Tray Spoonful Count · 26–36 months · 5–12 min
The counting ladder
5 steps from the first sign to a flexible skill, covered here from 18 to 36 months. Children move at their own pace: use the steps to see what comes next, not as deadlines.
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Hears counting
Watches and listens while you count steps or socks.
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Joins in songs
Shouts a number word in a counting rhyme.
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Recites a few numbers
Says "one, two" while pointing, not always to separate things.
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Gives two
Hands you two blocks when you ask for two.
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Counts a small set
Points to three objects one by one and says "one, two, three".
When counting usually shows up
Counting is not on the CDC checklists at these ages. Many 2-year-olds join in with number words in songs or on the stairs; counting objects accurately, even to three, often comes around or after age 3.
This page follows counting from 18 to 36 months, a window that spans the 18-month, 24-month, 30-month and 36-month CDC checklists.
In the library, 11 activities practise counting (4 as their main skill), for ages 13 to 36 months. 4 of them need no prep and take 10 minutes or less. By age, they sit closest to steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the 5-step ladder.
Activities that practise counting
Placed on the closest ladder step by age. By primary domain: 4 early concepts, 3 gross motor, 2 creativity & pretend and 2 fine motor. Quickest to start: Box Drum Copy-the-Beat (3–8 minutes).
Step 1: Hears counting
Step 2: Joins in songs
Step 3: Recites a few numbers
Skills practised alongside
The activities for counting most often also work on squeezing and rolling (3), taking turns (2), cause and effect (1), finger feeding (1) and kicking a ball (1). Pairing them keeps practice playful: one activity, several skills.
Practise it inside everyday routines
- Count everyday things aloud: stairs, socks, snack pieces, buttons on your coat.
- Sing counting rhymes with finger actions.
- Ask for "one" or "two" during routines: "Can I have two spoons?"
What to avoid
- Drilling number recitation; use numbers when there is something real to count.
When to mention it to the pediatrician
Counting is not a milestone to monitor before 3. If you are worried more broadly about how your child understands words and ideas, mention that to the pediatrician.
Worried about counting between visits? Call the pediatrician; CDC's free resources also explain how to contact your local Early Intervention program directly. Milestones are for monitoring, not diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When do toddlers start counting?
Counting is not on the CDC checklists at these ages. Many 2-year-olds join in with number words in songs or on the stairs; counting objects accurately, even to three, often comes around or after age 3. The first step to look for: watches and listens while you count steps or socks.
How can I help my toddler with counting?
Count everyday things aloud: stairs, socks, snack pieces, buttons on your coat. Sing counting rhymes with finger actions. A good first activity is One Sock Ball per Cup (13–22 months).
What should I avoid when practising counting?
Drilling number recitation; use numbers when there is something real to count.
When should I mention counting to the pediatrician?
Counting is not a milestone to monitor before 3. If you are worried more broadly about how your child understands words and ideas, mention that to the pediatrician. You can also contact Early Intervention yourself.
Related
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.