Why Counting Activities Matter (Even for Toddlers)

Counting with toddlers isn’t just about memorizing numbers—it’s about building a foundation for problem-solving, recognizing patterns, and understanding quantity. And let’s be honest, anything that keeps little hands busy (without making a huge mess) is a win. That’s where this Easter counting carrots activity comes in.

It’s hands-on, interactive, and sneaks in a math learning activity while your child thinks they’re just playing with paper carrots. Plus, it’s an at-home learning win because it requires zero fancy supplies—just paper, glue, and a few minutes of your time.

How to Set Up the Counting Carrots Activity

What You’ll Need:

• Orange construction paper
• White cardstock
• Green construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Marker

How to Make It:

1. Cut out five large orange triangles to represent carrots.
2. Label each carrot with numbers 1 through 5.
3. Cut several small green rectangles to be the carrot tops/stems.
4. Have your child count out the correct number of stems for each carrot and glue them in place.

It’s that simple! No prep beyond grabbing a few supplies and letting your child take the lead.

Why This Activity Works (Besides Being Adorable)

This Easter math activity does more than just look cute on your fridge. It builds fine motor skills as little hands grasp and glue the tiny carrot stems. It strengthens counting practice and number recognition in a hands-on way. And it encourages problem-solving—kids naturally start to check their own work to see if the numbers match.

And since it’s a craft, there’s a natural sense of completion at the end, which helps kids feel accomplished. (And let’s be real, anything that makes a toddler feel successful without a meltdown is a parenting win.)

Activity Extensions to Keep the Fun Going

If your child is loving this counting practice, here are a few simple ways to extend the activity:

• Make a Sensory Bin Version: Hide small carrots (real or plastic) in a sensory bin with rice or shredded paper grass. Have your child dig them out and count them. Bonus: This adds a fun fine motor element as they search for and grab each carrot.
• Add a Sorting Challenge: Cut out additional carrots and have your child sort them from smallest to largest before counting the stems.
• Try a Reverse Counting Game: Start with all the stems on the carrots and remove them one by one as you count down. This helps reinforce number order in a new way.
• Introduce Simple Addition: If your child is ready for a challenge, ask questions like, “How many stems do you have if you add the 2-carrot and the 3-carrot together?”

The Best Part? Zero Stress for Parents

The beauty of this Easter activity is that it’s quick, easy, and totally doable—even on those days when parenting feels like herding cats. There’s no messy paint, no complicated setup, and no right or wrong way to play. Just a simple, hands-on way to bring math learning into everyday play.

So grab some paper, cut out some carrots, and enjoy a moment of calm while your toddler happily counts and glues. And if you find a stray paper carrot under the couch next month? Just call it an Easter surprise.