Pre-K Math: Counting Numbers 0-5 | Common Core Study and Practice

Counting Numbers 0-5

Counting numbers from 0 to 5 is an essential early math skill in Numbers and Operations for Pre-K learners. Children learn that each number tells “how many,” and that 0 means none.

Meet the Numbers:

0 - Zero: no objects (empty)
1 - One: one ball
2 - Two: two shoes
3 - Three: three apples
4 - Four: four chairs
5 - Five: five stars

Understanding Quantity

Children learn to connect a number symbol to a group of objects. For example, the number 3 means there are three things to count. Seeing numbers and objects together helps children understand that numbers represent “how many.”

Show 1 toy car → Say: “One car.”
Show 3 blocks → Count: “1, 2, 3 blocks.”
Show an empty plate → Say: “Zero means nothing here.”

Hands-On Ways to Learn

Active learning makes counting fun and memorable. Use objects, fingers, or drawings to help children see and touch the numbers they are learning.

Interactive Activities:

Count snacks: “You have 4 crackers.”
Show numbers with fingers: “Can you show me 2?”
Match numbers to toys: “Put 5 blocks by the number 5.”
Draw dots for each number to visualize the count.
Use number cards and ask, “How many dots are there?”

Real-Life Counting

At Home

Count steps, toys, or fruit. Example: “We have 3 bananas in the bowl.”

Outside

Count cars, flowers, or birds. Example: “I see 5 birds on the fence.”

During Play

Build block towers and count the blocks as you stack them: “1, 2, 3, 4!”

During Reading

Stop at pictures to count: “How many dogs are there? 1, 2, 3!”

Tips for Parents and Teachers

Start with real objects before worksheets or flashcards.
Repeat numbers often in daily routines.
Model slow, clear counting by pointing to each object.
Introduce zero with empty bowls or boxes.
Celebrate small successes to build confidence.

Remember

Counting 0-5 is a key part of Pre-K Common Core. Using fingers, dots, and objects helps children develop number sense and prepares them for early addition and subtraction.

Go to the practice →

A.2 Counting dots 0-5