Pouch Top Number Stacks: A Fun and Easy Counting Activity for Toddlers

The Simplest Way to Teach Numbers (Without Any Fancy Supplies)

If you have a toddler, you’ve probably noticed that they love stacking things. Cups, blocks, random items from the junk drawer—if it’s stackable, they’re on it. So why not turn that natural urge into a hands-on number activity? Enter pouch top number stacks, a ridiculously easy, screen-free way to work on number recognition and counting.

This activity is part of my Random Household Objects series, where we turn everyday items into engaging, educational fun. Today’s star? Pouch tops. Those little caps from applesauce pouches you’ve been collecting (or tossing… no judgment). Time to put them to good use!

Why This Activity Works

1. Builds Number Recognition – Recognizing numbers isn’t just about memorizing shapes—it’s about connecting numbers to real quantities. This activity reinforces that understanding in a tangible way.
2. Strengthens Fine Motor Skills – Stacking small objects requires precision. Every time your child picks up a pouch top and places it carefully on the stack, they’re refining their pincer grasp, hand-eye coordination, and patience (well, sort of).
3. Encourages Independent Play – Once your child gets the hang of it, they can play independently while you finish your coffee. This is a parenting win.
4. Uses Up Those Random Pouch Tops– Because let’s be real—those things multiply. Instead of tossing them, you’re repurposing them into an educational tool. Eco-friendly and genius.

SETTING UP THIS ACTIVITY:

materials

1. Pouch tops (at least 10, preferably in various colors)
2. A piece of paper
3. A marker

That’s it. Three things. No fancy printables, no complicated setup, just everyday items turned into learning magic.

How to Play

1. Write the numbers 1 through 10 randomly on your piece of paper. Make them big and clear,
2. Hand over the pouch tops and encourage your child to place them in stacks on top of the matching numbers. So, if they see a “5,” they stack five pouch tops right there.
3. Count the stacks together as they build.
4. Keep going until all numbers are matched with the correct number of pouch tops.

Simple? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.

Ways to Extend the Learning

Want to keep the fun going? Try these simple variations:

• Add Patterns: Have your child stack pouch tops in a pattern (red-blue-red-blue) for an extra challenge.
• Use a Timer: Can they stack the numbers in order before the time runs out?
• Reverse the Game: You stack the pouch tops, and they count and write the correct number next to the stack.
• Introduce Simple Math: Ask, “If we add two more pouch tops to this stack, how many will we have?”

More Pouch Top Fun

If you want more activities like this, here’s a collection of five more fun and educational ways to use pouch tops that are sure to engage your toddler while developing key skills. These simple, everyday items offer endless learning opportunities!

1. Pouch Top Dot Match: Collect different colored pouch tops and draw matching colored dots on a piece of roll paper. Your toddler will match the pouch tops to the corresponding dots, working on fine motor skills and color recognition.
2. Pouch Top Drop: Tape a paper towel tube to the wall and provide a bin of pouch tops for your child to drop through the tube. This activity is great for fine motor skills and exploration, as they practice dropping the tops into the tube.
3. Pouch Top Threading: Give your child pipe cleaners and pouch tops, and have them thread the tops onto the pipe cleaners. This activity helps improve fine motor skills, while they can focus on matching colors or creating simple patterns.
4. Pouch Top Playdough Cars: Build cars out of playdough and attach pouch tops as wheels. This activity encourages creativity and fine motor development, allowing your child to play with their creations.
5. Pouch Top Ice Cubes: Freeze pouch tops in ice cube trays and use squirt bottles or eye droppers filled with warm water to melt the ice and free the pouch tops. This sensory activity is both fun and calming for little hands.

Each of these activities will turn simple pouch tops into fun and educational tools, using materials you likely already have at home!

A Simple Way to Teach Counting and Number Recognition

Pouch top number stacks prove that you don’t need fancy toys or complicated prep to teach important skills. With a handful of pouch tops and a marker, you can help your child learn how to count, build number recognition, and strengthen fine motor skills—all while keeping them entertained. Next time you finish an applesauce pouch, don’t toss the top. Save it for a little learning fun!

White Cardstock

Black Permanent Markers