What children will learn
- Counting properly: one number for each thing, and the last number says how many.
- Seeing small amounts at a glance: knowing there are three dots without counting them.
- Numbers to 20: saying, recognising and ordering them.
- More and less: comparing groups, and what comes next.
- Shapes and patterns: circles, squares and triangles, and what comes next in a pattern.
- First sums: adding and taking away with real things before numbers on paper.
Why early maths matters
Maths skills when children start school are one of the strongest predictors of how they do later on. That's a link, not a guarantee, but it's a good reason to make numbers part of everyday play from the start. For 3 to 7 year olds, the UK's Education Endowment Foundation recommends learning maths through games, stories and everyday life, and notes that numbered board games may especially help.
By age
- 2 to 3: counting songs, counting stairs and snacks, "one, two, three, go!"
- 4 to 5: counting objects accurately, numbers to 20, dice and simple board games, shapes everywhere.
- 6 to 7: adding and taking away with real things, then with numbers; patterns; first word problems.
Meanwhile, read our guide Early maths at home, try Counting Critters, or for older children Math Ninja.
Questions parents ask
From what age can children start?
From about 2, with counting songs and counting real things. Recognising numbers and first sums usually come between 4 and 7.
Does my child need to read to use it?
No. Otto says everything out loud, so children who can't read yet can play on their own.
Is it free?
Yes. Like all of Tiny Hands, it will be free, with no ads and no paywall. Tiny Hands is made by a dad, Mauro, and kept free by voluntary donations from parents: make a donation · read our story.
When will Numbers be ready?
We're building it now. Leave your email above and we'll send one message when it's ready.
