Number games for preschool
40 Counting Games And Number Activities For Preschoolers
The basic foundation of math is understanding numbers and quantities. One of the best ways to develop these understandings, or number sense, is through handling objects and counting them. We can listen to preschoolers recite numbers in order, but we want them to apply that to counting objects and understand that those numbers represent quantities of items. Counting games and activities encourage preschoolers to “play” with numbers and quantities and build math skills and number sense in natural ways. These ideas can help you build math and counting skills with preschoolers.
Counting Games and Activities
These 40 preschool math games include counting games and various number activities. They are perfect to help build counting skills and math skills in your preschoolers and kindergarten students.
1. Dog Bone Counting Game (Pre-K Pages) – This is a fun, hands-on counting game for students in your preschool, pre-k, or kindergarten classroom.
2. Farm Animal Counting Activity (Pre-K Pages) – What could be more fun than Counting Feet with farm animals?
3. Printable Counting Book (Pre-K Pages) – Identifying and naming numbers can be a difficult skill for young children in preschool and kindergarten.
4. Homemade Counting Board Game (Pre-K Pages) – This homemade game can help preschoolers develop math concepts while playing a game together.
5. Mouse Counts Game (Pre-K Pages) – Mouse Count inspired this activity that helps children practice counting to ten while also working on their fine motor skills – and it’s lots of fun too!
6. Fire Truck Counting Game (Pre-K Pages) – In this activity, children will explore fire trucks and firefighters with a counting game.
7. Penguin Counting Game (Pre-K Pages) – This Penguin Counting Game is the perfect addition to any winter theme, lots of fun for young children and great practice for counting, number sense, and one-to-one correspondence.
8. Ocean Theme Counting Activity (Pre-K Pages) – The best preschool activities allow children to be interactive and hands on while they explore new concepts. We’ve developed a fun, easy to prepare ocean theme counting activity to do just that.
9. Nursery Rhyme Number Game (Pre-K Pages) – This nursery rhyme activity relates to “Baa Baa Black Sheep” and encourage number recognition and counting, important math concepts.
10. Digital Counting Activities Using Google Slides (Teaching Mama) – This resource has digital counting activities, which is perfect for the preschool and kindergarten age.
11. Button Counting (Busy Toddler) – Grab a deck of cards for this fun button counting math activity.
12. Football Counting Game (Sunny Day Family) – With a die, football printable, and some yogurt Danimals it’s a fun counting game your preschoolers will love.
13. Snowman Hole Punch Counting (JDaniel4’s Mom) – Use your hole punch to create these snowmen and work in a fun counting activity to go along with it.
14. Ladybug Busy Bag (Preschool Inspirations) – Work on counting with your preschoolers with these adorable paper ladybugs.
15. Cookie Counting Game (Still Playing School) – Have your kids practice counting chocolate chips with these paper chocolate chip cookies.
16. Counting Snowballs (Fun-a-Day) – This easy counting cotton balls activity is a great math activity for your preschoolers.
17. Race to Fill the Cup (Mom Inspired Life) – Have fun filling a cup with these adorable erasers.
18. Count and Compare (Stir the Wonder) – Use these fun Farm Animal Rainbow Counters to inspire young children interested in animals or to go along with a farm theme!
19. Little Miss Muffet Path Game (Preschool Spot) – This fun activity is based on the nursery rhyme, Little Miss Muffet.
20. Tally Marks with Pencils (Munchkins and Moms) – Have fun practicing making tally marks with #2 pencils.
Counting Games and Number Activities For Preschoolers
More preschool math games to enjoy! These counting games and number activities will be definitely enjoyed by your preschoolers and build their math skills.
21. DIY Counting Boxes (Parenting Chaos) – Label containers with numbers and then have your preschooler fill each bucket with the labeled number of items.
22. Play Dough Numbers and Counting (Little Pinch of Perfect) – This activity is simple to set up and a great way to expose young kids to numbers and lets them visually see the difference in amounts. The activity can be adapted for different skill levels by making smaller or larger numbers.
23. Passing Car Count (Prekinders) – In this activity, we watched for red & blue cars as they passed by on the street. Children recorded the cars they saw by marking dots on their sheet with a corresponding color crayon.
24. Ways to Teach Counting (Prekinders) – Here are 15 ways to teach counting skills in Pre-K.
25. Ants on a Log Game (Teach Preschool) – DIY “ants on a log” counting game with the children then invite the children to draw their own ants on a log…
26. The Math Box (Teach Preschool) Create a simple math box and then watch as your preschoolers love filling it and practice their counting skills.
27. Counting and Addition Tray (Imagination Tree) – Set up an open-ended maths activity for kids using counting manipulatives, play dough and a dice, in a dip tray!
28. Simple Montessori Counting Activity (My Mundane and Miraculous Life) – This simple counting activity with rocks, your child can work on number recognition.
29. Things to Count With (Pre-K and K Sharing) – Repurpose what you have and count items with your preschooler!
30. How Many Blocks Long? (Brick by Brick) – This is a fun activity where your preschooler can see how many block longs they are and practice counting as they do it.
31. Make Groups of Numbers (Teach Me Mommy) – This simple counting activity is easy to setup, can be played with one or more children and it is fun too!
32. Count and Smash Activity (Stir the Wonder) – The great thing about play dough besides that it is just fun, is that it is also a great way to work on fine motor skills, work in some math skills, and get some sensory input and it can be used in many ways for hands-on learning!
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Activities with Counting Blocks (Educators’ Spin on It) – These are 8 math and counting activities for your preschooler to enjoy.
34. Where the Wild Things Are Game (Mom Inspired Life) – While playing, children practice counting, learn one to one correspondence and even get some fine motor practice.
35. Listen and Spray Game (Fantastic Fun and Learning) – This activity is great for counting practice but also for fine motor practice.
36. Race to Lose a Tooth Game (Toddler Approved) – This fun dental theme inspired activity with marshmallows is a fun counting game for your preschoolers to enjoy.
37. Roll and Count (Buggy and Buddy) – Here’s a counting math game for kids perfect for practicing one-to-one correspondence. It’s super easy to make and lots of fun for the kids!
38. Count Forward and Back Game (Fantastic Fun and Learning)- This preschool math game would be perfect during St. Patrick’s day and March in your classroom.
39. Build a City Game (Learning 4 Kids) If your preschooler loves playing with Legos then they will love this math game.
40. Mystery Mitten Tactile Counting Game (Preschool Toolbox) – Gather some real mittens and come play a tactile mystery mitten counting game to encourage early math intuition with tactile support!
Also check out the free Winter Play Dough Counting Mats and our other thematic counting mats.
Follow my Counting Pinterest Board for more great ideas!
Farm Animal Counting Activity For Preschoolers
I’ve found that if you want to engage children in a learning activity just add animals. Children are naturally drawn to animals and any time that I can include them in an activity I am sure it will be a success. Just like it will be with this farm activity!
With that in mind, what could be more fun than Counting Feet with farm animals?
Build Math Skills With This Farm Activity
This counting activity requires very little set up, but it can be used to reinforce a number of different skills while also being fun and engaging for young children.
While playing Counting Feet, preschoolers can practice:
- Counting up to 4
- Number recognition
- Animal names and characteristics
- Sorting and decision making
(See my math page for more activities for counting, sorting, and building math skills.)
Set Up the Farm Activity
Setup for this activity is simple and requires items already found in most preschool classrooms or at home. To play Counting Feet, you will need:
- An assortment of farm animal figures. Be sure to include several that have two legs, such as ducks, chickens, and barn owls. (We even included our farmer!)
- Two small bins or buckets
- Numbers 2 and 4 (We used foam numbers, but you can easily just print or write the numbers on card stock.)
- Clips or tape to attach numbers to your bins (We used clothespins.)
Attach a number 2 to one bin and a number 4 to the other. Place your animals in between the two bins.
Now you’re ready to play!
Play the Counting Feet Game
Invite a child to choose one of the animals. When they have chosen, take a moment to talk about what kind of animal it is, what color it is, and what sound it makes. Then ask the child to count its feet.
Point out the numbers on the two bins and ask them to decide which bin it goes in based on the number of feet it has.
Repeat the fun farm activity until all of the animals have been sorted into their proper bins. Then you can dump them out and play again! Maybe incorporate a fun farm song for them to sing as well!
You will likely find that you have more animals with four feet than have two. That’s OK! This is a great opportunity to ask the children what else the animals with two feet have, such as wings, and what they use their wings for. This allows the activity to cover a number of additional animal lessons in addition to counting, and to make it even more interactive and fun.
BIO: Laura is a mom to twin boys and author of Sunny Day Family, where she shares simple and engaging activities and crafts like her Bubble Wrap Road! Connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.
More Farm Activities
- Farm Sensory Bin and I Spy Activity- Kids love to search for items hidden in pictures in a book or sensory bins. It is like finding hidden treasure! This farm themed sensory bin has a variety of farm animals tucked into birdseed. Your children will have a great time looking for them!
- Farm Activities for Preschoolers– Many preschoolers have little or no connection to a farm. Use these activities to plan explorations for your preschoolers to learn more about the farm and farm animals. A farm theme can be great for spring or fall learning.
- Farm Book Activity: Get Well Card Center- Exploring animals that live on the farm is a popular topic in many early childhood settings. Spring is the perfect opportunity for a farm preschool them for children to discover activities unique to farm life. Using great children’s books is a springboard for learning about a topic or theme. Here is a fun farm activity – a book and a writing center to help learn about language and a form of writing.
More Farm Ideas
Math games for preschoolers and first graders
The development of a child's mathematical abilities is one of the aspects of preparing for school. It can be difficult for a preschooler to operate with numbers, so experts advise starting a child’s acquaintance with numbers and mathematical calculations from games. Complex and sometimes boring examples and tasks do not cause rejection in the baby when they are presented in the form of interesting colorful tasks.
If a child understands at an early age that mathematics is exciting and fun, it will be much easier for him to master the school subject. By the way, mathematical games develop not only the skills of working with numbers, but also logic and non-standard thinking. What are the mathematical games for preschoolers - in our material. nine0003
Math games for children 4-5 years old
Math games for preschoolers 4-5 years old include simple math examples for addition and subtraction within 10.
1. Math game "Labyrinth"
In this math game the child is faced with the task of seeing the pattern, going through the maze and helping the squirrel find the acorn.
Print the picture. Give the child a pencil. Let him draw a path along which the squirrel can get to the acorn. nine0003
The squirrel has started its journey. She took two steps. What is the difference between 3 and 1? How much more is it? And the number 5 compared to 3? It is desirable that the child himself see the pattern (adding 2 to each previous number). But if it doesn’t work out, don’t worry — explain. Calculate the next step together, and then let the baby go on his own.
2. Math crossword
If a child can count to 10, they may be interested in doing a math crossword. nine0003
Print out the crossword. Tell your child how to work with a mathematical crossword puzzle, how the numbers fit into it. You can explain such concepts as "horizontal" and "vertical".
Explain that each row and column must have correct equalities. Emphasize that a mathematical crossword puzzle differs from the usual example in that an unknown number can appear anywhere in it.
Show that in a crossword it is better to solve the examples not in an arbitrary sequence, but by moving from one intersection to another. And it is very important to do everything right, because a mistake in one place will lead to inaccuracies in another. nine0003
3. Mathematical game "Count the beads"
As in other examples, the picture can be printed.
There are two different tasks here.
On the left picture there are beads that you need to count and write the answers below, as shown in the first picture. Do not give the child the task right away - invite him to think about what the numbers below (in the first picture) mean. Perhaps he himself will find a correspondence between the number of beads and the number below. In this case, he will easily enter all the correct answers.
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On the second, right, block of pictures, the number of beads is the same everywhere, and the number of filled beads is signed below. The kid can also guess about this on his own. After that, he will gladly color the required number of beads in each picture.
With this activity you can explain to your child what an abacus is and how to use it.
4. Mathematical game “Take the bear to the bear cub”
Examples are written on the ice. In this game, the child must complete each task and write the answer on the ice. After that, you can pave the way of the bear to the bear cub along the ice, on which the numbers 1, 2, 3 are written, and then in order up to 10.
Math games for preschoolers 6-7 years old
Math games for children 6-7 years old are a bit more difficult and suitable for kids who can count to at least 20 and solve addition and subtraction problems in two steps.
1. Mathematical game "Insert the missing number"
The meaning of this mathematical game is to insert numbers into empty cells that come in sequence before, between or after a given number.
Thus, the child's idea of the "number line" is formed. nine0003
For convenience, you can first draw this line, on which numbers are indicated from left to right, increasing each time by one. Then the baby will understand what “before”, “between” and “after” means, and will easily do all the exercises.
2. Mathematical game “Put fruits in baskets”
Print the picture, cut out all fruits and baskets separately. The kid must solve a mathematical example that is written on a fruit and "put" it in the correct basket.
These examples show the child that the same number can be obtained in several ways.
Note that the example does not show the same number of ways to get different numbers. So, 7 is obtained by five options: 4 + 3; 7 - 0; 1+6; 2+5; 14 - 7. And 18 - three: 9 + 9; 20 - 2; 12 + 6.
Explain that there are other ways to get the number 18. Give an example or have the child come up with their own.
3. Mathematical game "Find a suitable umbrella"
In this math game, you need to match an umbrella to each cloud.
To do this, the child must solve the examples written inside the cloud and the umbrella, and then place the cloud over the desired umbrella.
In this task, you can not cut anything, but simply connect pictures with the same answer. Each cloud corresponds to one umbrella.
Math games for 1st grade
Math games for schoolchildren are suitable for children who can count up to 30, complete examples in several actions and have a basic understanding of fractions. nine0003
1. A chain of mathematical examples
On the path of the butterfly to the flower, do all the suggested actions. Some of the numbers are already in circles, others must be entered by solving the examples given above.
This math task is not for the little ones: here you need to be able to count to at least 30.
2. Math game "How much does a salad cost?"
The picture shows vegetables and their "value". Below are plates with a different set of vegetables.
Invite the child to calculate how much each salad “costs”. nine0003
3. What is the fraction in the picture?
Pictures will help explain to your child what fractions are.
The images show circles divided into equal parts. Some of them are painted over. First you need to calculate how many parts there are. Next - how many of them are painted over.
The essence of a fractional number is easy to explain in this way.
For the first example: the circle is divided into 4 parts; three out of four are shaded, i.e. three-fourths. This is referred to as 3/4.
Second example (below): there are 6 beats in the circle, four of the six are shaded - four sixths, 4/6. nine0003
Such an algorithm will allow the child to choose from the options presented the answer corresponding to each circle. To check how the kid understood the material, ask him to show an integer (not a fractional) number on one of the circles, painting over the required number of parts.
He will cope with the task if he figured out how a fractional number is formed and how a fraction differs from a whole.
Umnasia offers a large number of mathematical problems for logic and ingenuity for primary and secondary school students. All tasks are presented in the format of an interactive story game with pleasant voice acting and colorful illustrations:
- logic tasks for grade 1
- logic tasks for grade 2
- logic tasks for grade 3
- logic tasks for grade 4
- logic tasks for grade 5
Mathematics and logic for children 7-13 years old
We develop logical thinking through solving plot mathematical problems in an interactive game format
learn more
Didactic games for the formation of elementary mathematical concepts in children of senior preschool age | Material in mathematics (preparatory group):
Didactic games for the formation of elementary mathematical concepts in children of senior preschool age
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Game: "Name your neighbor"
Purpose: To consolidate knowledge of the number series 0 - 10.
Tasks: To teach to recognize and name numbers within the first ten. Correctly fill in the gaps in the number row within the first ten. Learn to restore a series of numbers in direct and reverse order. Develop memory, speech. Develop communication skills, the ability to play in pairs. Develop communication skills, the ability to play in pairs. Activate the dictionary through the words: "between", "right", "left", "before", "after", "for". nine0147 Game progress: 1. The child chooses a card with a trailer, names the numbers, finds the missing number on a small card and closes the empty window. Uses words: between, right, left, before, after, behind. 2. Playing in a group of 2 people. The driver shows a large card and asks to name the missing number. For example: “What number is between the numbers 4 and 6?”, Or “What number will be next in a row of 5, 6 ...?” Players choose the desired card and show it to the driver. The task can be made more interesting by introducing an element of competition.
Who will quickly show or name the missing number? nine0003
Game: "Mathematical confusion"
Purpose: To consolidate knowledge of numbers. Develop observation, attention.
Tasks: Learn to recognize and name numbers within the first ten. Develop attention, memory, speech.
Game progress: In the game "Confusion" the numbers are laid out on the table or put on the board. At that moment, the children close their eyes, the numbers are reversed. Children find these changes and return the numbers to their places. The facilitator comments on the actions of the children.
Game: "What number is missing?" nine0147 Purpose: Development of visual perception, arbitrariness of attention, memory.
Tasks: To develop attention, memory.
Game progress: In the game "What number is missing?" one or two digits are also removed. The players not only notice the changes, but also say where which number is and why. For example, the number five now stands between the numbers 7 and 8 (or it has disappeared).
This is not true. Its place is between the numbers 4 and 6, because the number 5 is more than 4 by one, 5 should come after 4.0147 Purpose: To consolidate knowledge of the sequence of numbers in the natural series.
Tasks: Exercise in forward and backward counting.
Game progress: The game uses a ball. Children stand in a semicircle. Before the start of the game, I say in what order (direct or reverse) I will count. Then I throw the ball and call the number. The one who caught the ball continues to count further. The game takes place at a fast pace, tasks are repeated many times to enable as many children as possible to take part in it.
Such a variety of didactic games, exercises used in the classroom and in their free time helps children learn the program material. nine0003
Game: "Guess what number is missing"
Purpose: Determine the place of the number in the natural series, name the missing number.
Game progress: The teacher arranges the cards on the flannel in the sequence of a natural row.
Invites the children to see how they stand, if any number is missing. Then the guys close their eyes, and the teacher removes one card. After the children guess which number is missing, show the hidden card and put it in its place. The first person to name the missing number gets a token. nine0003
Number Ladder Game
Purpose: to continue to develop children's understanding of the sequence of numbers.
Game in progress. The teacher, turning to the children, says: “You have learned to count well. Do you know what order the numbers are in? Look at the number ladder. Consider it carefully. She will tell you in what order the numbers go, which numbers are larger, which are smaller. How many steps does the ladder have? Let's list them in order. I will name the row, and you name which one he is in a row? What is the number on the number ladder? What numbers come before it? How many circles are in the fifth row? What number goes before 5? 6 is greater than or less than 5? 5 more, what number? What number is less? See what number goes up to 3 and field 3? 2 is greater or less than 3? Is 4 greater or less than 3? How many circles in 9row? What number comes before 9? What after 9? Is 8 greater or less than 9? Why?" and.
etc.
Game: “Click the number”
Purpose: To develop attention, speed of reaction and thinking, dexterity of movements; improve counting skills, consolidate the reverse counting - from 10, the sequence of building a number series - up to 10.
Game progress: Lay out the chips with numbers corresponding to the numbers from 1 to 10 in a row. The child turns over the chips that need to be removed. I am the number 3. Please remove my neighbors. I am the number 5. Remove the number that is 2 more than me. I am the number 10. Remove the 2 numbers in front of me. I am the number 6. Remove the number that is 1 less than me. I am the number 1 Remove the number that is greater than me by 2.
Game: "Remove the numbers"
Purpose: To consolidate the direct and reverse counting; consolidate knowledge of numbers from 1 to 10.
Tasks: Formation of logical thinking.
Game progress: You can finish the lesson or part of the lesson with the game "Remove the numbers" if the numbers are not needed in the future.
In front of everyone on the tables are the numbers of the first ten. Children are told riddles about numbers. Each child who has guessed what number is being discussed removes this figure from the number series. Riddles can be very different. For example, remove the number that comes after the number 6 before the number 4; remove the number that shows the number by 1 more than 7; remove the number that shows how many times I will clap my hands; remove the number that occurs in the title of the fairy tale about Snow White, etc. nine0003
Game: "Wonderful bag"
Purpose: To teach children to recognize objects by their characteristic features.
Tasks: To fix the ordinal account; an idea of the quantitative relationships between numbers. The course of the game: In a wonderful bag there are counting material, two or three types of small toys. The host chooses one of the children as the leader and asks to count as many objects as he hears hammer blows, tambourine blows, or as many objects as there are circles on the card.
Children sitting at the tables count the number of strokes and show the number corresponding to the number of strokes. The task is checked by everyone together. The leader becomes another, the game is repeated. nine0003
Game: "How much"
Purpose: To develop the ability to listen carefully and distinguish subtle sound nuances.
Tasks: Exercises children in counting.
Game progress: 6-8 cards with a different number of items are fixed on the board. The host says: “Now I will guess a riddle. The one who guesses it will count the items on the card and show the number. Listen to the riddle: a girl is sitting in a dungeon, and a scythe is on the street. The players, who guessed that it was a carrot, count how many carrots are drawn on the card, and show the number 4. Instead of riddles, you can give a description of objects. For example: “This animal is affectionate and kind. It does not speak, but knows its name well, loves to play with a ball, a ball of thread, drinks milk and lives with people.
