Make counting practice fun with this free printable preschool math worksheet! Count the Scattered Pictures helps young learners practice counting objects from 1 to 5 while recognizing numbers and strengthening one-to-one correspondence.
Children explore six groups of familiar pictures, including crayons, butterflies, leaves, cars, suns, and umbrellas. They count each group, mark the pictures as they count, and circle or trace the correct dotted number.
This simple, black-and-white activity is a helpful addition to preschool homeschool lessons, classroom math centers, or extra counting practice at home.
Download your free worksheet below:
What This Worksheet Teaches
This preschool counting worksheet introduces children to counting small groups of objects arranged in different positions rather than in a straight line.
Children practice connecting each object to one counting word and recognizing that the final number they say tells how many objects are in the group.
The worksheet includes six counting problems using quantities from 1 to 5. Each problem offers three dotted numeral choices, allowing children to practice number recognition while developing early pencil-control skills.
How to Use This Worksheet
Print the worksheet and give your child a pencil or crayon.
Read the directions aloud: “Count the pictures. Mark each one as you count. Circle or trace the correct number!”
Begin with the first group of pictures.
Encourage your child to point to or lightly mark each picture while counting aloud.
Ask, “How many pictures did you count?”
Help your child find the matching number among the three choices.
Have your child circle the correct number or trace its dotted outline.
Continue through the remaining groups, providing help when needed.
Children who are still learning to count may benefit from an adult pointing to each picture with them. More confident counters can complete the activity independently and explain how they found their answers.
Why This Skill Matters
Counting objects is an important part of developing early number sense. Preschoolers gradually learn that each object should be counted once and that the final counting word represents the total quantity.
Pictures arranged in scattered groups give children an opportunity to practice keeping track of objects as they count. Marking each picture can help prevent accidentally skipping or counting the same object twice.
Choosing the correct numeral also helps children connect spoken number words, written numbers, and actual quantities.
These experiences support the development of early mathematical understanding through simple, manageable activities.
Skills Practiced
Counting objects from 1 to 5
One-to-one correspondence
Recognizing written numerals 1–5
Matching quantities to numbers
Visual scanning and tracking
Identifying the total number in a group
Fine motor control through marking, circling, and tracing
Following simple counting directions
Learning Goals
With developmentally appropriate support, children will work toward:
Counting small groups containing 1–5 objects.
Touching, pointing to, or marking each object once while counting.
Understanding that the last number counted represents the total.
Identifying the correct numeral for a counted group.
Recognizing quantities even when pictures are arranged in different positions.
Practicing circling or tracing numerals with growing confidence.
Preschool children develop counting skills at different rates. Some may need hands-on support, while others may be ready to complete the worksheet more independently.
Parent & Teacher Tips:
Start with smaller groups. If your child is just beginning to count, start with the single crayon or the two cars before moving to larger groups.
Encourage careful counting. Have your child point to or mark each picture as they say the counting words aloud.
Model when necessary. Demonstrate how to count one group without skipping or counting any picture twice.
Use the dotted numbers flexibly. Children who are still developing pencil control can circle the answer. Those ready for tracing practice can follow the dotted numeral.
Focus on understanding. If your child chooses an incorrect answer, count the pictures together again rather than simply telling them the correct number.
Keep practice positive. Short counting activities with encouragement and breaks can help young children stay engaged.
Extend the Learning
Continue practicing counting beyond the worksheet with these simple activities.
Count household objects: Gather one to five blocks, toy cars, spoons, or crayons. Let your child count each group and tell you the total.
Scatter and count: Place a small number of objects on a table in different positions. Encourage your child to count carefully, touching each object once.
Match numbers and quantities: Write numerals 1–5 on separate pieces of paper. Have your child place the matching number of small objects beside each numeral.
Rearrange the objects: After counting a group, move the objects into a new arrangement. Ask whether the total changed, then count again to check.
Optional challenge: For children who are ready, create a new group of five or fewer objects and ask them to identify the total without number choices.
Materials Needed
Printed Count the Scattered Pictures worksheet
Pencil or crayon
Optional: Small counting objects for additional hands-on practice
No special materials or preparation are required beyond printing the worksheet.
Perfect for Homeschool or Classroom Learning
This free preschool counting worksheet can be used in a variety of early learning settings.
Homeschool lessons: Add it to a short daily math lesson focused on counting objects and recognizing numbers 1–5.
Preschool classrooms: Use it for independent practice, small-group instruction, or a math learning center.
Extra practice at home: Give children another opportunity to count small groups using familiar pictures.
Individualized learning: Adjust the amount of adult guidance based on each child’s readiness. Some children may complete only a few problems at a time, while others may enjoy finishing all six.
The printable black-and-white design also allows children to color the pictures after completing the counting activity, if desired.
Building Early Counting and Number Recognition Skills
Counting scattered pictures helps preschool children practice more than simply reciting number words in order.
As children move their attention from one picture to another, they learn to keep track of which objects have already been counted. This supports one-to-one correspondence and helps them understand that objects can be counted even when they are not arranged neatly in a row.
The three dotted-number choices beneath each group provide opportunities to connect a counted quantity with its written numeral. Children can also practice tracing when they are developmentally ready.
Through repeated experiences with real objects, pictures, and numerals, children can gradually build confidence with early counting and number recognition.
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