Counting toys and number toys for toddlers

Counting toys for 2 year olds

A 2 year old counts with their hands months before the words come out in order. The numbers peg board is built for exactly this: ten wooden number boards, each with the matching number of holes, and pegs to push in one at a time until the board is full. The pegs are gripped with a whole fist at first and with the fingertips by three, so the same toy grows with the hand; a pack of 20 extra pegs tops the set up when a few roll under the sofa. The shape sorting and stacking board adds counting 1 to 5 to shapes and colours, twenty pieces to post and stack, from about 18 months. Both sit in toys for 2 year olds.

Toys to teach numbers 1 to 10

To teach numbers 1 to 10, a child needs three things in turn: the count (one, two, three), the amount (three pegs is more than two) and the symbol (the shape of a 3). Toys that put all three on one piece of wood teach fastest, and on the peg board the numeral, the holes and the pegs sit together on each board. The Sea Adventure 5-in-1 board lines up ten colour-graded chevrons numbered 1 to 10 under eight sea animals, then flips to 0 to 9 numbers, an alphabet and a wipe-clean tracing board. For the symbol on its own, the alphabet and number board book set gives one number a page with things to count in the picture. Say the number as the peg goes in, then count the pegs back out; counting back is where amount clicks.

Abacus for toddlers: when it helps

An abacus helps once a child can already count to ten out loud and wants to know what comes next, usually around three. The wooden counting abacus has 100 beads in five colours, 30 cm wide, with a printed addition and subtraction board, so "3 and 2" becomes three beads, two beads, slide them together, count five. Before three, a toddler treats the abacus as a slider, which is good finger practice; the maths arrives when they start to count the beads they move. The Preschool Prep Combo pairs the abacus with the wooden spelling game for 3 to 7 years.

Number games for kids 3 to 6

By three, numbers can become games. The sorting clock turns 1 to 12 into a puzzle: twelve removable number blocks, twelve shapes to match and two movable hands, so one toy teaches numbers, shapes, colours and then time. The Brainy Thinking Worksheets, a 100-page printable pack, ask a preschooler to observe, compare, count and focus with a pencil. For one box that covers the lot, the Preschool Maths and Letters Combo holds the abacus, the peg board, the sorting clock and the spelling game for 3 to 6 years. More in learning toys for 4 to 6 year olds.

How to choose counting toys by age

One to two: a toy with the numeral, the holes and the pieces on the same board, with pegs chunky enough for a fist. Two to three: pieces to count out loud and pack away, ten at most. Three to six: a self-correcting toy, a bead row that adds up or a block that fits one slot, so the child checks the answer alone. The wood here is finished with non-toxic paint and sanded smooth; keep pegs and small blocks for table play with a grown-up close, and check the age band on each product page. Ten minutes a day with one counting toy, at the same time each day, beats an hour on Sunday.

Best counting toys for toddlers: 5 picks

• Numbers peg board: ten boards and matching pegs, the first counting toy, from 1 year.
• Wooden counting abacus: 100 beads and an addition board, from 3 years.
• Sorting clock: numbers 1 to 12, shapes, colours and telling time, from 3 years.
• Sea Adventure 5-in-1 board: 1 to 10 chevrons, sea animals, alphabet and tracing board, 2 to 5 years.
• Preschool Maths and Letters Combo: abacus, peg board, sorting clock and spelling game, 3 to 6 years.

What are the best counting toys for a 2 year old?

The numbers peg board first: ten boards, matching pegs, counting that happens in the fingers. Add the shape sorting and stacking board for counting to five with shapes and colours, and the alphabet and number board book for the numerals.

How do I teach numbers 1 to 10 to a toddler?

Count real pieces, out loud, in and out. Push pegs into the 3 board saying one, two, three, then pull them out counting back. Ten minutes a day, and move on once the child counts the current number on their own.

Is an abacus good for a 3 year old?

Yes. At three an abacus turns counting into first addition: three beads plus two beads, slide together, count five. Before three a toddler slides the beads for fun, which is fine finger practice.

Which number games work for a 4 or 5 year old?

The sorting clock (numbers 1 to 12, shapes and telling time), the abacus for sums, and the Brainy Thinking Worksheets for count, compare and spot the difference on paper. A game that checks its own answer keeps a child going on their own.

What is a good gift to teach numbers?

For 1 to 3 years, the numbers peg board in its cotton bag with a play card. For 3 to 6, the Preschool Maths and Letters Combo: abacus, peg board, sorting clock and spelling game in one box. More on gifts for a 3 year old.

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