Learn counting through play

We know that the effective way for kids to learn new thing is through play, but not all time we are able to think of a creative way to do so. Fortunately I came across this creative idea and finally successful to teach my daughter how to count things. She has been able to count 1-10 for quite some times but she just can't tell you exactly what is the sum/total after counting. Example, she can count the numbers of aplpes in the book, 1, 2 and 3, but then when you ask how many are there, she couldn't tell you it is 3. Recently I bought her some Big red bean to play "masak-masak" or the cooking games. She loves it so much. And out of sudden, i came out with this idea to put some read bean on the floor and ask her to count while picking it up and putting it in a tray. She was kind of happy to do so and when it is done, i'll ask how many read bean is there in the tray. After a few attempt/playing, she was able to tell the sum/total finally. So i guess this is a good example where I find kids can learn better and easier through play. The thing is, we parent really have to be creative and patient helping then to learn through play...gambateh all parents :)