Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Pirate Treasure Counting: Free Printable Worksheet for Ages 2 to 4
- ForAges 2 to 4
- StageEarly Years
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Pirate Treasure Counting is a free printable maths worksheet for ages 2 to 4, in Early Years. Children draw gold coins in each treasure chest to match the number on the sheet, from 1 coin up to 5. There is also a space to draw their own treasure. It needs only a pencil or crayon.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Each box on the sheet is a treasure chest with an instruction such as Draw 1 gold coin or Draw 3 gold coins. Children read or hear the number, then draw that many coins. The numbers go from 1 up to 5. The last box is open ended. It invites children to draw their own treasure however they like, so they can show what they know in their own way.
- Draw 1 gold coin
- Draw 2 gold coins
- Draw 3 gold coins
- Draw 4 gold coins
- Draw 5 gold coins
- Draw your own treasure
Why counting coins is a good start
Counting looks simple, but young children are learning several things at once. They learn the number names in a fixed order. They learn to touch or point to one object for each number word. They also learn that the last number said tells them how many there are. Pirate coins give them small, countable things that are fun to draw.
Drawing the coins adds another layer. A child must keep track of how many they have made and know when to stop. That is harder than counting a group that is already there. Counting real objects first, then drawing the same number, helps children link what they can touch with what they put on paper.
Real coins, buttons and other small items can be a choking risk for young children. Stay with your child whenever they handle them, and take extra care with children under 3. Large plastic counters or pretend coins are a safer choice.
Skills and curriculum link
- Counting to 5
- One to one counting
- Matching a number to a group
- Drawing
- Pencil control
Ideas to help your child count
- Touch each oneEncourage your child to point to or touch each coin as they say a number. This keeps the number words and the coins matched.
- Say the numbers in orderNumber names always go in the same order. Chant them together often, in songs and rhymes, so the order feels familiar.
- Ask how many altogetherWhen they finish counting, ask how many there are. This helps them see that the last number said tells the size of the group.
- Start smallSmall groups are easier to see and count. Let children succeed with the first chests before moving on to bigger groups.
Key words
- CountSay the number names in order, one for each thing you point to.
- NumberA word or symbol that tells us how many, like 1, 2 or 3.
- CoinA small, round piece of money. In a pirate story, it is gold.
- ChestA big box with a lid, used for keeping treasure safe.
- MoreA bigger amount than another group.
- FewerA smaller number of things than another group.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2 for yourself, as it has the notes.
- Gather a few large counters or toy coins. Count them out together, touching each one as you say the number.
- Read the first box aloud. Ask your child to draw that many gold coins in the chest.
- Count the coins they drew, pointing to each one. Talk about what you notice, and praise their effort.
- Finish with the draw your own treasure box. Come back another day to try again, because repeating a familiar sheet builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Do the first few chests only. Use real or toy coins to make each number before drawing. Let your child stamp, dab dots or stick on small stickers instead of drawing. Say each number aloud as they go, and stop while it is still fun.
To stretch confident children
Ask which chest has more coins and which has fewer. Then ask your child to draw a chest with a number of their choice. Let a grown-up or friend count the coins and say how many there are.
Make it a game
Play treasure hunt. Hide a few large toy coins around a room, up to 5. Your child finds them and puts them in a box, counting each one aloud. Then check together how many are in the treasure chest.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child counts the same coin twice, or misses one out.
Try thisSlow down. Move each coin to one side as it is counted, or touch each one once, so the group is clear.
Watch forA child draws more coins than the number asked for, because they enjoy drawing.
Try thisCount aloud together as they draw each coin. Say stop when you reach the number, and admire the extra coins on the back of the page.
Watch forA child says the numbers quickly without matching them to coins.
Try thisUse a slow, steady rhythm. Tap each coin with a finger as you say one number, then let your child copy you.
Talk about it
- What would you put in your treasure chest, apart from gold coins?
- Can you show me 3 coins with your fingers?
- How do you know when to stop drawing coins?
- Which chest do you like best, and why?
- What if the pirate found one more coin? What would happen?
- Can you find something in the room that you could count?
Take it off the page
Treasure tray
Fill a tray with sand, rice or lentils and bury some large toy coins. Let your child dig for them and count each one as they find it. Stay close, and keep small items away from mouths.
Pirate hat parade
Make paper pirate hats. March around the room and count the steps together, stopping when you reach 5.
Coin rubbings
Place a sheet of paper over large flat counters or coin shapes cut from card. Rub with a crayon and count the coins that appear.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first chest, then let them lead. Short sessions work best. Talk about what they are doing, and praise careful counting and trying, not just a neat drawing.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, a table activity or an early finisher task in Reception or a nursery setting. It needs only printing. Page 2 gives support and stretch ideas, so you can adapt it for mixed groups.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider early maths plan. It pairs well with counting songs, stories about pirates and everyday counting at home. You can print it again for brothers and sisters.
Where this fits in learning to count
Before this sheet, children join in with counting songs and rhymes, and begin to say number names in order. They also play with small objects and notice that some groups are bigger than others.
After this sheet, children can count larger groups and begin to compare amounts. They can learn to recognise written numerals and, later on, to add and take away using objects. This early counting is the base for that work.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Pirate Treasure Counting for?
It is written for ages 2 to 4, in Early Years. Younger children can join in with a grown-up, using real objects and talk. Older children can draw more independently and try the stretch idea.
- What will children practise?
Children practise counting objects up to 5 and linking each number to a group of coins. They also practise one to one counting and early drawing and pencil control.
- How do I use it?
Count out large toy coins or counters first. Then let your child draw the same number in each chest. Sit with them for the first go, and keep page 2 for your own notes.
- What if it feels too hard?
Do only the first few chests and let your child dab dots or stamp instead of drawing. Use real objects to count first. Stop while it is still fun, and try again another day.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or another group of children.
- Is this a screen free activity?
Yes. It needs only paper and a pencil or crayon, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays. It also gets children talking, counting and using their hands.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. Children can add their own colour with crayons or pencils, such as gold for the coins.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.