Counting has always been a fun activity for my kids when they were preschoolers. My new little preschooler loves to count everything. She counts as she walks up the steps, she counts how many baby dolls she has, she counts as she passes out the utensils for dinner. Children are natural math wizards. I believe they see math in its truest and simplest form. To encourage a love of math and not a fear I like to make math a game any time I can.
Here are two counting games that are fun to try and make:
Egg Carton Counting Game: Most likely you purchase eggs on a regular basis. If so, then you are also throwing away plenty of egg cartons. Next time, keep the egg carton and use it for counting. To make a counting game first remove the top of the carton. You can use this to make a homemade sailboat. My kids always liked that. Keep the bottom portion where the eggs sit for your game. Mark each portion from one to twelve. Now provide your child with beans, buttons, or some other small object. Have your child fill the egg carton with the appropriate amount to match each number.
Shadow Box Counting Game: You can find a simple shadow box at a dollar store. It may be used for another purpose but you should be able to find a square with nine divisions or nine squares. Paint your shadow box and mark each one with a number counting from one to nine. Make small cards that fit in each of the small squares. On the cards mark with dots, stickers, stars, hearts or whatever image you prefer an amount corresponding to the numbers 1 through nine. Shuffle the cards and have your child match the right card to the right square.