Resources/Counting practice: numbers to 20
Pre-K to K•Printable worksheet + answer key•CC0 license

Counting practice: numbers to 20

A printable lesson focused on counting, comparing, and writing numbers.

Students practice counting objects, comparing quantities, and writing numbers in order.

Print-ready worksheet with answer key and quick teaching tips.

Pre-K to K0 problems10 minAnswer key included
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Ready-to-teach

Clear steps, examples, and practice in one printable page.

Misconception-proof

Highlights common mistakes and how to fix them quickly.

Open license

CC0: free to copy, adapt, and share without attribution.

Quick overview

This free counting worksheet for pre-K and kindergarten helps students count, compare, and write numbers to 20.

Lesson plan snapshot

10-15 min
  • Warm-up (2 min): count together with manipulatives.
  • Model (3 min): solve the worked example aloud.
  • Guided practice (4 min): complete problems 1-3 together.
  • Independent practice (5 min): finish the remaining problems.

Materials: counters, pencil

Learning targets

  • Count objects reliably to 20.
  • Compare which group has more or fewer.
  • Write numerals in order.

Step-by-step approach

  1. 1Point to each object and count out loud.
  2. 2Match each object to one number word.
  3. 3Compare groups by counting and matching totals.
  4. 4Write numbers in order and check for missing numbers.

Common mistakes

Mistake

Counting too fast and skipping objects.

Try instead

Touch each object and slow down.

Mistake

Mixing number order (12 before 11).

Try instead

Say the counting sequence together before starting.

Mistake

Comparing by size instead of quantity.

Try instead

Count both groups to confirm which is larger.

Worked example

Guided
Count the apples: 🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎
  1. Point to each apple and count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Answer: 5 apples

Related resources

Number bonds

Compose and decompose numbers within 10.

View resource

Addition & subtraction

Fluency within 20 with visual strategies.

View resource

Place value

Tens and ones with base-ten models.

View resource

Practice problems

10 problems • 15 min

Printable worksheet
  1. 1
    Count backward by 1: 65, 64, 63, ___
  2. 2
    Compare: 41 ___ 44. Use >, <, or =.
  3. 3
    Is 28 odd or even?
  4. 4
    What number comes next? 40, 41, 42, ___
  5. 5
    Compare: 34 ___ 10. Use >, <, or =.
  6. 6
    Is 46 odd or even?
  7. 7
    What number comes next? 28, 29, 30, ___
  8. 8
    Compare: 49 ___ 14. Use >, <, or =.
  9. 9
    What number is between 22 and 24?
  10. 10
    What number comes next? 41, 42, 43, ___

Answer key

10 answers
  1. 11) 62
  2. 22) <
  3. 33) even
  4. 44) 43
  5. 55) >
  6. 66) even
  7. 77) 31
  8. 88) >
  9. 99) 23
  10. 1010) 44

Teacher tips

  • TUse manipulatives or counters before moving to numerals.
  • TAsk students to explain how they know which group is larger.
  • TPractice counting forward and backward within 20.

Parent tips

  • PCount everyday items like snacks or toys together.
  • PPlay “which is more?” with small groups of objects.
  • PPractice writing numbers with sidewalk chalk or a whiteboard.

Open license

You are free to copy, adapt, and share these materials. No attribution required. Released under Creative Commons CC0 1.0 (public domain).