Learning numbers is an essential skill for preschoolers, and it can set the foundation for their future success in math and other academic subjects.
As a parent or teacher, it is essential to make learning numbers a fun and engaging experience for children. In this post, we will explore 21 fun and effective activities that can help your preschooler learn numbers. These activities can be easily implemented at home or in the classroom, and they will not only help your child learn numbers but also promote their cognitive and motor skills development.
Here are 21 fun activities to teach numbers to preschoolers.
1. Counting songs
Counting songs are a great way to introduce numbers to preschoolers. Singing songs like “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” or “Ten Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed” can help preschoolers learn to count and recognize numbers in a fun and engaging way. You can also add hand gestures or movements to the songs to make them even more interactive and entertaining for the child.
Recommended reading: Top 50 Nursery Rhymes For Kids (With Lyrics)
2. Number puzzles
Number puzzles are a fun way to help preschoolers learn to recognize and count numbers. There are a variety of puzzles available that are designed specifically for this purpose. You can find puzzles with numbers or pictures that represent different quantities. As the child puts the puzzle together, they can practice counting and recognizing numbers.
3. Number recognition games
Number recognition games, such as “I Spy” or “Number Bingo,” can be a fun way to help preschoolers learn to recognize numbers. In “I Spy,” you can ask the child to find a certain number of objects in a room, while in “Number Bingo,” you can use a bingo card with numbers on it and call out numbers for the child to find and mark off on their card. These games can help preschoolers practice counting and recognizing numbers in a playful way.
4. Number tracing
Tracing numbers is a great way for preschoolers to learn how to write and recognize numbers. You can give your child tracing sheets with dotted numbers and have them trace the numbers with their fingers or a pencil. This activity helps them to develop fine motor skills as well as number recognition skills.
5. Number books
Reading number books is an excellent way to introduce numbers to preschoolers. Books such as “10 Little Ladybugs” or “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” can help your child learn numbers in a fun and engaging way. You can also encourage your child to count objects in the illustrations.
Recommended reading: 12 Counting Books That Kids Love
6. Number magnets
Using number magnets can help teach numbers to preschoolers. You can use magnets on the refrigerator or a magnetic board. Your child can arrange the magnets in order, count them, and even create simple addition or subtraction problems. This activity helps them to develop their number recognition and counting skills while having fun.
7. Number blocks
Number blocks are a fun way for preschoolers to learn how to count and recognize numbers. Blocks can be used to build towers, sort by size, or arrange in numerical order. For example, you could have your child use blocks to build a tower that is the same height as the number they are learning to count to. Or, you could have them arrange the blocks in order from one to ten.
8. Number flashcards
You can use flashcards to help your child recognize numbers, count objects, and even do simple addition and subtraction. For example, you could show your child a flashcard with the number 4 and have them count out four objects to match the number on the card.
9. Number stickers
Number stickers can be used to help your child practice recognizing numbers and counting. You can use them to decorate notebooks, posters, or even make your own number flashcards. For example, you could have your child place the number stickers in order on a piece of paper, or use them to label items around the house with their corresponding numbers.
10. Counting games
Play counting games to make learning numbers fun and interactive. For example, play “Count the Animals” by showing your child pictures of animals and asking them to count how many there are. Another game you can play is “Count the Cars” by counting how many cars pass by while you’re driving. These types of games help your child practice counting and develop their number sense.
11. Number hopscotch
Create a number hopscotch game by drawing numbers with chalk on the sidewalk or driveway. Ask your child to jump on the numbers in sequence, counting aloud as they go. This is a fun way to help your child learn to count and recognize numbers.
12. Number scavenger hunt
Hide numbers around the house or yard and have your child find them. This is a great way to engage your child in learning numbers while also encouraging physical activity. You can hide numbers in plain sight or make it more challenging by hiding them in unexpected places. Once your child finds a number, ask them to identify it and count it. This activity helps your child practice number recognition and counting skills.
13. Number memory game
Creating a number memory game using index cards is a great way to help your preschooler learn to recognize and count numbers. Write a number on one card and then write the number word (e.g., “one”) on another card. Then, have your child match the cards together.
14. Number coloring pages
Printing out number coloring pages is an engaging way for your preschooler to learn numbers. These pages typically have a picture that represents the number, such as an apple for the number “1.” As your child colors in the picture, they can say the number and practice counting.
15. Number beads
Stringing number beads together is another fun way to teach numbers to preschoolers. You can buy number beads at a craft store or online and have your child string them together in order. This activity also helps with fine motor skills as your child manipulates the small beads.
16. Number hop
Number hop is a game where you call out a number and your preschooler hops to that number. This game is great for teaching number recognition and counting. You can create a hopscotch grid with numbers on it or simply draw numbers on the ground with chalk. For example, you can draw numbers 1-10 on the ground and call out a number for your child to hop to.
17. Number stencils
Number stencils can be used to help your preschooler learn how to write numbers. You can use stencils made of plastic, cardboard, or even draw them yourself. Start by teaching your child to trace the number with their finger, then move on to using a pencil or marker.
18. Number sensory bin
A number sensory bin is a great way to engage your child’s senses while teaching them numbers. Create a sensory bin with rice, beans, or sand and hide numbers in it. Your child can dig through the bin to find the numbers and practice counting them. You can also add in other materials like toy cars or animals to make it even more fun.
19. Number playdough
Playdough is a great tool to help preschoolers learn numbers in a fun and engaging way. You can create numbers with playdough and have your child practice forming each number with their hands. This will help them recognize the shape of each number and develop their fine motor skills. You can also add other materials like buttons, beads, or sequins to create tactile numbers and make the activity even more engaging. For example, you can make the number one with playdough and add one button on top of it, or make the number two with playdough and add two beads on top.
20. Number matching game
Number matching games are a fun way teach numbers to preschoolers. You can create a game with numeral and quantity cards, where your child has to match the numeral card with the corresponding quantity card. For example, you can create a card with the numeral “3” and another card with three pictures of apples. Your child will have to match the numeral card with the picture card to complete the game.
21. Number patterns
Using toys such as blocks or beads to create number patterns is a great way to help preschoolers understand the concept of numbers and patterns. You can create a pattern with blocks or beads, and then have your child replicate the pattern using the same materials. For example, you can create a pattern of three red blocks followed by three blue blocks, and then have your child replicate the pattern. This activity will help them develop their pattern recognition skills and their understanding of numbers. As your child becomes more advanced, you can create more complex patterns to challenge them further.
In conclusion, there are many fun and creative ways to teach numbers to preschoolers. By incorporating these activities into your child’s daily routine, you can help them build a strong foundation in math and set them up for success in the future.
Before you go, here are a few posts you will enjoy:
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