Count the Frogs

1. 1

   Introduce this simple counting chant: ‘One little frog—one mouth, two eyes, four legs. Two little frogs—two mouths, four eyes, eight legs.’ Repeat it together until the rhythm feels familiar.

2. 2

   When you reach ‘Two little frogs … eight legs,’ pause and wonder aloud, ‘Why do two frogs have eight legs? Could it be six?’

3. 3

   Whatever your child answers, suggest checking with paper and a marker. Invite them to draw two frogs, point to each leg, and count the legs one by one.

4. 4

   When your child reaches eight, say, ‘Yes—we counted eight legs altogether.’ Connect the last number they said with the total number of legs.

5. 5

   Try the same method with a different number of frogs. Draw them first, then count the mouths, eyes, or legs to check the chant.

What to notice

• Says ‘eight legs altogether’ after counting, showing that eight is the total Counting and Cardinality
• Draws a recognizable frog shape with a marker Fine Motor

Tips

• As your child counts, they can write the numbers 1–8 beside the frog legs. This helps connect each counted item with a written numeral.
• Use the same draw-and-count method whenever the number of mouths, eyes, or legs is unclear.

Developmental benefits

• Cognitive: Counting the frog’s legs lets your child check the answer and learn that the last number said tells how many there are altogether.
• Movement: Drawing frogs, pointing to each leg, and writing numbers all involve hand-eye coordination and finger control.