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Counting Songs. Counting songs turn numbers into stories that children want to hear again and again. Counting down songs also give children a first feel for subtraction. These 9 favorites help with counting, rhyming, and number order.
- 9 songs
- Ages 3–5
- 5–15 minutes
- Actions and ideas for every song
About the lyrics: this page lists song titles, what each song teaches, and ways to use it. It does not reprint lyrics. You can find the words and recordings in children’s songbooks, at your local library, or on official channels from the artists and publishers. Many of these songs are traditional, and versions can differ from place to place.
Quick Picks
Use this table to find a song by type and main skill. Tap a song name to jump to ideas for using it.
| # | Song | Type | Main skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed | Counting song | Counting down |
| 2 | Five Little Ducks | Counting song | Counting down |
| 3 | Five Green and Speckled Frogs | Counting song | Counting down |
| 4 | Ten in the Bed | Counting song | Counting down from 10 |
| 5 | This Old Man | Counting song | Counting to 10 |
| 6 | One, Two, Buckle My Shoe | Counting rhyme | Counting |
| 7 | One, Two, Three, Four, Five (Once I Caught a Fish Alive) | Counting rhyme | Counting |
| 8 | Five Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree | Counting song | Counting down |
| 9 | Over in the Meadow | Counting song | Counting to 10 |
Why Counting Songs Help Preschoolers
Counting songs turn numbers into a story. Counting down songs also give children a first feel for subtraction, since one goes away each time.
Number order
Songs help children remember the order of numbers.
Counting down
Counting backward introduces the idea of taking away one at a time.
One-to-one counting
Using fingers or props shows that each number matches one object.
Rhyming with numbers
Songs like This Old Man link counting to rhyme.
9 Counting Songs for Preschoolers
1. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
Counting song- Counting down
- Subtraction
What it teaches: Five monkeys fall off the bed one by one. The song counts down from five to zero, a first lesson in taking away.
How to use it: Hold up five fingers and fold one down each verse. Talk about why jumping on beds isn’t safe.
Safety and tip: Use the song to talk about safe play. Don’t let children jump on beds.
2. Five Little Ducks
Counting song- Counting down
- Animal sounds
What it teaches: A mother duck loses her ducklings one by one, and they all swim back at the end. It counts down and then celebrates the return.
How to use it: Use duck puppets or paper ducks that swim off one at a time. Make quacking sounds.
3. Five Green and Speckled Frogs
Counting song- Counting down
- Rhyme
What it teaches: Frogs jump into a pool one at a time. It’s a fun way to count backward from five.
How to use it: Place green paper frogs on a ‘log’ and drop one into a bowl each verse. Hop like a frog.
4. Ten in the Bed
Counting song- Counting down from 10
- Subtraction
What it teaches: Ten children in a bed roll over one by one until only one is left. It reaches the number 10, which is a stretch for many children.
How to use it: Use ten stuffed animals on a blanket and roll one off each verse. Count what’s left.
5. This Old Man
Counting song- Counting to 10
- Rhyming
What it teaches: Each number is paired with a rhyming word. It’s a great way to link counting with rhyming.
How to use it: Act out each number and have your child guess the rhyming word. Use number cards.
6. One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
Counting rhyme- Counting
- Rhyme
What it teaches: Each number rhymes with an action. It’s a simple way to practice rhyming and counting.
How to use it: Act out every line. Write the numbers on cards and put them in order.
7. One, Two, Three, Four, Five (Once I Caught a Fish Alive)
Counting rhyme- Counting
- Fine motor
What it teaches: A counting rhyme with a surprise bite at the end. It’s a great first counting rhyme and a fun finger play.
How to use it: Count on fingers and give a gentle ‘bite’ on the little finger at the end.
8. Five Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree
Counting song- Counting down
- Anticipation
What it teaches: Monkeys tease a crocodile and disappear one at a time. The suspense keeps children hooked.
How to use it: Use a paper crocodile and five paper monkeys. Snap your arms like jaws each verse.
9. Over in the Meadow
Counting song- Counting to 10
- Animal sounds
What it teaches: Animal mothers and babies count up from one to ten, each with a different sound and action.
How to use it: Use animal picture cards. Make the sound each animal makes and count the babies.
Tips for Singing Counting Songs
- Use fingers, puppets, or paper cutouts to count along.
- Fold down one finger each verse in counting down songs.
- Count real objects after the song to connect it to math.
- Don’t worry about perfect counting. Keep it playful.
Pair These Songs with Activities
Counting Songs FAQs
At what age can children count?
Many children can count some numbers by age 3. The CDC lists counting to 10 and naming some numbers from 1 to 5 as typical at age 5. Counting higher is a bonus, not a requirement.
Why are counting down songs useful?
They show that numbers get smaller as things leave, a first step toward subtraction. Folding down fingers or removing a toy each verse makes the idea concrete.
What if my child skips numbers?
That’s common. Count slowly with them, touch each object once, and repeat. Practice with real objects helps more than correcting the song.
How can I make counting songs hands-on?
Use puppets, stuffed animals, paper cutouts, or fingers. Let your child take away or add an item with each verse.
More Song Types
- Nursery Rhymes (12)
- Action Songs (10)
- Finger Plays (7)
- Counting Songs (9)
- Alphabet and Language Songs (7)
- Animal and Nature Songs (7)
- Transportation Songs (7)
- Routine, Transition, and Friendship Songs (7)
- Lullabies and Calm-Down Songs (6)
- Circle and Singing Games (6)
- Songs for Colors, Shapes, Days, and More (7)
- All Preschool Songs
Keep the Music Going
Pair these songs with free printables, learning games, and our 12-month preschool curriculum.
Sources
This guide is general educational information for parents. It is not medical or legal advice. Always supervise young children during movement activities. If you are concerned about your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor or teacher.