Hunt Count

Hunt & Count turns your house into a treasure hunt. Your child gets simple prompts, like "Find 2 shoes!", then hunts for those everyday things and counts them out loud. It's the perfect way to end a week that started with the number 1.

What you need

• A list of hunt prompts (below), written or drawn on paper

• A basket or bag for carrying finds (optional)

• Familiar things around your home

How to play

1. Give the first prompt. Start small:

   • Find 1 mirror.

   • Find 2 shoes.

   • Find 3 books.

   • Find 4 spoons.

   • Find 5 toys.

2. Hunt. Your child looks around the house and brings back each set (or you go to it together, like with the mirror).

3. Touch-count. Line the items up. Your child touches each one as they count out loud: "One, two, three!" Touching each item as they say a number is the key skill here.

4. Check it. Ask, "Did we find 3? Let's count again!" Recounting is great practice, not a test.

5. Next prompt. Move on to the next number. Stop whenever they lose interest; three prompts is a win.

Why we love it

Touch-counting builds one-to-one correspondence, the idea that each number word goes with exactly one object. It's the foundation for all counting that comes next. Hunting also gives the numbers a real purpose, and it burns off plenty of Friday energy.

Make it easier or harder

• Easier: Stick to 1, 2 and 3, and hunt together.

• Harder: Ask your child to write or trace the number after each find.

• All About Me twist: Only hunt for their things: 1 favorite cup, 2 of their shoes, 3 of their books.

A quick safety note: Set clear hunting zones and keep the hunt away from stairs, cleaning supplies and anything breakable.

Shop these items

Everything mentioned in this post, in one place. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Small woven baskets

• Shop everything for Week 1: All About Me

• Starter supplies: the basics we use most weeks

• See every week in our Amazon storefront

More for this week: see all our All About Me activities, Letter A activities and Number 1 activities.

Every child is different. Please use your own judgment about what's safe and right for your family. Always supervise children during activities and while eating, and adjust foods for allergies, dietary needs and your child's age and chewing ability. Sprocket & Sprout shares these ideas for fun and learning only. We are not responsible for any injury, allergic reaction, damage or mess that may result from trying them. This post may contain affiliate links; if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.