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Little Counting
Count colourful objects, recognise numbers, and build early maths confidence through fun, interactive challenges designed for young learners.
A little about the game
A playful first step into the world of numbers! Little Counting is an interactive educational game designed to introduce children aged 3–5 to counting, number recognition, and basic numerical understanding. Through colourful illustrations and engaging activities, children practise counting groups of familiar objects and identifying the number that represents each quantity. The game features 10 progressively structured levels, beginning with small groups of objects and gradually introducing larger quantities as children gain confidence. Each challenge encourages children to observe carefully, count one object at a time, and connect what they see with the corresponding number. **What makes Little Counting special?** - Friendly, colourful illustrations suitable for preschool learners. - Interactive counting challenges with familiar objects. - Gradual progression across 10 levels. - Opportunities to practise number recognition and quantity matching. - A relaxed learning environment that encourages exploration. Little Counting helps make early mathematical practice approachable and enjoyable, giving young children opportunities to develop foundational number skills through play. **Recommended ages:** 3–5 years.
How to play
- Select a level to begin your counting adventure.
- Look carefully at the objects displayed on the screen.
- Count the objects one by one.
- Tap the number that matches the total.
- Complete the challenges to progress through the levels.
- Encourage children to count slowly and point to each object as they count. They can replay earlier levels whenever they want more practice.
Play & Learning
Skills practiced
- Counting objects and recognising quantities
- Number recognition
- One-to-one correspondence
- Matching numbers to quantities
- Understanding counting order
- Visual attention and observation
- Early mathematical reasoning
- Concentration and problem-solving
How this game works
Little Counting presents children with illustrated groups of familiar objects and asks them to identify how many are shown.
Players count the objects and select the matching number from the available answers. The game begins with smaller quantities and gradually introduces more challenging counting activities across 10 levels.
By repeatedly connecting visible quantities with written numerals, children practise recognising numbers and understanding what those numbers represent.
The activities are designed to encourage observation, independent thinking, and repeated practice at a comfortable pace.
For Parents
Helping Your Child Discover Numbers Through Play
Little Counting introduces children aged 3–5 to essential early maths concepts in a friendly, interactive environment.
When children count objects and select the corresponding number, they practise two important skills: recognising written numerals and understanding that numbers represent quantities.
One of the key foundations of early mathematics is one-to-one counting—learning to count each object exactly once. Children also develop an understanding that the last number they say tells them how many objects are in the group.
Little Counting provides opportunities to practise these concepts through colourful activities that gradually increase in difficulty.
How parents can support learning:
- Encourage your child to point to each object while counting.
- Ask, "How many are there altogether?" after counting.
- Practise counting everyday objects such as toys, fruits, or building blocks.
- Allow your child to repeat earlier levels when needed.
- Celebrate effort and careful thinking rather than speed.
Children develop mathematical understanding at different rates. Short, enjoyable play sessions and everyday counting conversations can help reinforce the concepts explored in the game.
Little Counting is designed to complement hands-on learning experiences, not replace them.
Research behind the activity
The Learning Science Behind Little Counting
Little Counting is informed by established research on early childhood mathematics, particularly the development of counting skills, number recognition, and understanding quantities.
The Institute of Education Sciences recommends introducing meaningful counting through activities that help children connect number words with individual objects. Children gradually learn to count each object once and understand that the final number counted represents the total quantity.
Research by Ramani and Siegler (2008) also found that structured number-based board games can improve preschool children's counting, numeral identification, and broader numerical understanding.
The National Research Council's Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood (2009) highlights the importance of developmentally appropriate mathematical experiences and opportunities to explore numbers through everyday activities and play.
Little Counting draws on these principles by presenting visible groups of objects, encouraging children to count carefully, match quantities with written numbers, and progress from simpler to more challenging activities.
Research positioning: Little Counting is a research-informed educational game. The cited studies support its underlying learning principles but have not directly evaluated Chuchiroo's game.
These studies examine the underlying activities and cognitive processes. They did not test Chuchiroo games and should not be interpreted as evidence that playing this game produces broader cognitive improvements.
View research & sources
- Teaching Math to Young Children for Families and Caregivers — Institute of Education SciencesExternal research source · opens in a new tab
- Teaching Math to Young Children — What Works Clearinghouse (2013)External research source · opens in a new tab
- Promoting Broad and Stable Improvements in Low-Income Children's Numerical Knowledge Through Playing Number Board Games — Ramani & Siegler (2008)External research source · opens in a new tab
- Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood: Paths Toward Excellence and Equity — National Research Council (2009)External research source · opens in a new tab