Finger Counting
Introduction
Young children learn best through playful, hands‑on experiences — and their fingers are one of the most powerful early math tools they have. This quick game helps children practice counting, number recognition, subitizing (instantly seeing “how many”), self‑control, and working memory.
Many adults worry when children count on their fingers, but research shows that finger counting actually strengthens number sense and supports later math success. This game encourages children to use their fingers with confidence while building the foundational skills they’ll need in kindergarten.
This is a great game to play when your child is getting restless and you need a quick distraction.
Gather Materials
All you need are your hands!
Note: Small parts pose a choking hazard and are not appropriate for children age five or under. Be sure to choose lesson materials that you feel are safe for your child and that you are comfortable letting your child use.
Activity
- Face your child with your hands behind your back.
- Say together: “Fingers, fingers… 1‑2‑3! How many fingers do you see?”
- On the word “see,” quickly show one hand with some number of fingers up (1–5).
- Your child guesses or counts how many fingers you’re holding up.
- Switch roles so your child gets to be the one who shows the fingers.
- Gradually, increase the challenge!
- Start with one hand (1-5 fingers)
- Move to two hands (1-10 fingers)
- Mix it up! Show the fingers quickly or slowly, or even better, hide them again and ask, "Do you remember how many you saw?"
Feel free to encourage your child to use their own fingers to count! This is a strength not a weakness. If you would like to learn more about the importance of finger counting, read our blog, "Fingers, Fingers, 1,2, 3" over on our Early Math Counts webpage.