Pre-K Math: Counting Numbers to 10 with 2D Shapes

Counting Numbers 0-10 with Shapes

Counting from 0 to 10 helps children build a strong foundation in Numbers and Operations. When paired with familiar shapes, counting becomes more visual and meaningful for Pre-K learners.

Count the Shapes:

1 circle - one sun
2 squares - two windows
3 triangles - three hats
4 rectangles - four doors
5 circles - five balls
6 squares - six blocks
7 triangles - seven slices of pizza
8 rectangles - eight books
9 circles - nine buttons
10 shapes - ten stars of different kinds

Connecting Shapes and Numbers

Young children learn best when they can see and touch what they’re counting. Counting 2D shapes like circles, squares, and triangles helps children match numbers to groups.

Show 2 triangles → Say: “Two triangles.”
Line up 5 squares → Count: “1, 2, 3, 4, 5 squares.”
Hold up a circle and ask: “What shape is this? How many?”

Hands-On Counting with Shapes

Using real or drawn shapes makes counting more interactive. Children can trace, build, and group shapes while saying the numbers aloud.

Interactive Activities:

Trace 3 circles and count them together.
Build a shape tower with 6 squares.
Match number cards with groups of shapes: “Find the group with 4 triangles.”
Draw dots inside shapes and count them: “How many dots in the square?”
Use stickers or buttons to fill in shapes and count up to 10.

Everyday Counting with Shapes

At Home

Count shapes on objects: “There are 5 rectangles on the table.”

During Play

Use shape puzzles and count each piece: “1, 2, 3, 4, 5 pieces!”

Outside

Look for shapes on signs or buildings. Example: “That stop sign is an octagon—how many sides does it have?”

During Art

Create shape collages and count the number of each shape used: “Let’s count how many circles you made!”

Tips for Parents and Teachers

Use shape cutouts or toys to count hands-on.
Point out shapes and numbers during daily routines.
Encourage children to touch and count slowly with you.
Ask open-ended questions: “How many shapes do you see?”
Celebrate effort as much as correct answers.

Remember

Counting up to 10 using 2D shapes supports number sense and shape recognition. These early skills prepare children for future math success through play, conversation, and discovery.

Go to the practice →

B.3 Counting shapes 0-10