Free learn to count to 3 kindergarten worksheets and printables

Before your kids can learn how to count to 3, they need to understand what counting means and why it is useful. Counting is a way of finding out how many things there are in a set or a group. Counting helps us compare, sort, measure, and solve problems. Counting also helps us develop number sense, which is the ability to understand and work with numbers.

To introduce counting to your kids, you can use the following strategies:

• Model counting for your kids by pointing at each object and saying its number out loud. For example, you can say, "One apple, two apples, three apples," as you point at each apple on a plate.
• Encourage your kids to join you in counting by repeating after you or counting with you. For example, you can say, "Let's count together. One apple, two apples..." and wait for your kids to say, "Three apples."
• Ask your kids to count by themselves by giving them a set or a group of objects and asking them how many there are. For example, you can say, "How many cars do you have?" and let your kids count their toy cars on their own.
• Praise your kids for their counting efforts and correct their mistakes gently. For example, you can say, "Good job! You counted three cars!" or "Oops! You missed one car. Let's try again."

Once your kids have a basic understanding of what counting means and how to do it, you can help them practice counting objects up to 3. This will help them develop their one-to-one correspondence skills, which is the ability to match each object with one number word when counting.

To help your kids practice counting objects up to 3, you can use the following strategies:

• Use objects that are easy to see, touch, and move around. For example, you can use toy animals, fruits, flowers, or coins.
• Use objects that are different from each other in shape, size, color, or texture. This will help your kids focus on the number of objects rather than their appearance.
• Use objects that are related to your kids' interests or hobbies. This will help your kids stay motivated and engaged in counting.
• Use objects that are relevant to the context or situation. This will help your kids see the connection between counting and real life.
• Vary the arrangement of the objects when counting. For example, you can line them up horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or randomly. You can also group them together or spread them apart.

Another skill that your kids need to learn when counting is writing numbers 1, 2, and 3. Writing numbers helps your kids reinforce their counting skills and prepare them for more advanced math concepts such as addition and subtraction.

To help your kids practice writing numbers 1, 2, and 3, you can use the following strategies:

• Use tracing worksheets that show the correct formation of each number. You can find some free tracing worksheets at the end of this article.
• Use writing tools that are easy and fun for your kids to use. For example, you can use crayons, markers, pencils, or chalks.
• Use writing surfaces that are appealing and varied for your kids. For example, you can use paper, cardboard, whiteboard, blackboard, or sandpaper.
• Use writing prompts that are interesting and meaningful for your kids. For example, you can ask them to write the number of their age, the number of their siblings, the number of their pets, or the number of their favorite things.

Another skill that your kids need to learn when counting is recognizing numbers up to 3 when they see them in different forms and contexts.

Recognizing numbers helps your kids develop their visual discrimination skills, which is the ability to tell the difference between similar-looking things.

To help your kids practice recognizing numbers up to 3, you can use the following strategies:

• Use flashcards that show each number in different fonts, colors, and sizes.
• Use games that involve matching, sorting, or ordering numbers up to 3. For example, you can play bingo, memory, or dominoes with numbers up to 3.
• Use books that feature numbers up to 3 in their stories, illustrations, or titles. For example, you can read The Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, or The Three Billy Goats Gruff with your kids.
• Use songs that include numbers up to 3 in their lyrics, rhythms, or melodies. For example, you can sing One Two Buckle My Shoe, Three Blind Mice, or Three Little Monkeys with your kids.

The last skill that your kids need to learn when counting is practicing counting to 3 regularly and consistently until they master it.

Practicing counting helps your kids consolidate their learning and build their confidence and fluency.

To help your kids practice counting to 3, you can use the following strategies:

- Use worksheets that provide various exercises on counting to 3. You can find some free worksheets in this page.

- Use apps that offer interactive and engaging activities on counting to 3. You can find some free apps on Google Play Store or Apple App Store by searching for "counting to 3 ".

- Use videos that demonstrate and explain counting to 3 in an entertaining way. You can find some free videos on YouTube by searching for "counting to 3 ".

- Use everyday opportunities that involve counting to 3 in real-life situations. For example, you can ask your kids to count how many spoons they need for breakfast, how many buttons they have on their shirt, or how many steps they take from the door to the car.