Teach numbers to preschool
40 Awesome Number Activities for Preschoolers
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27 Apr
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Number activities for preschoolers don't have to be boring and just worksheets, make them fun so your preschooler will love math!
I love math. I’m a nerd, yes. But I love anything to do with numbers.
I really do hope I can pass this along to my kids by making learning activities about numbers and counting fun for them and not a chore.
As I’m typing this, Henry’s shouting excitedly as he’s counting how many things on his sprayer…though I’m not really sure what he’s counting exactly. He made it to 39 though!
Because I’m a huge math nerd I searched for easy and fun number activities for preschoolers.
My Favorite 40+ Number Activities for Preschoolers!
Try these activities to help preschoolers learn their ABCs!
Recognizing Numbers Activities for Preschoolers
Identifying numbers can be a learning experience for preschoolers (and younger!). Many of the ABC recognition activities can also be adjusted for numbers.
My kids love these 12 number activities for preschoolers to recognize numbers.
- Turn a number into sensory art – perfect for the 100th day of school!
- Go on a hunt for numbers and match it with the same number!
- Follow a number from start to finish in a maze.
- Trace numbers, really big!
- Little Family Fun created a parking lot with numbers.
- Pop! Find the number and pop it!
- Find and match playing cards.
- Have target practice with water balloons and numbers, like Motherhood on a Dime
- Make art! Do this paint by number canvas art.
- Use stickers and printable number cards to play hide and seek, from Teach Mama.
- Draw and paint over numbers with q-tips, like Toddler at Play!
- Clip and match with giant numbers from You’ve Got This Math!
Activities for Number Recognition
Counting Activities for Preschoolers
Learning there’s a sequence to the numbers and what comes next.
Try these 18 number activities to help preschoolers learn to count.
- Connect the dots! A simple past-time activity that reinforces the order of numbers.
- Upcycle a box into a puzzle of numbers!
- Create a maze of numbers to drive through. Can they count their way to the end?
- Stacking up boxes and counting how high you can go!
- Make a craft together with multiple pieces. Have your child do the counting!
- Count cars of a particular color while on the road, or semis, or vans, whatever suits their interest!
- Create a learning game with your ABC mat and number blocks. Choose a number block and pound the corresponding times with a hammer on the corresponding number mat!
- Let your child run an experiment and measure how much something holds! How many cups fit?
- Make puzzles with a picture. Label sections of the puzzle in numerical order. Cut apart and have your child put it back together again, from Growing in PreK.
- Use friendly animal crackers to practice counting and number recognition, like I Can Teach My Child.
- Measure objects (or yourself!) and count how big they are, from The Imagination Tree
- Count objects around the house. No Time For Flash Cards wants to know “How many doors do you have?”
- Play any board game, or make your own! Little Family Fun creates a fish race game!
- Count with LEGO! Do Play Learn likes to label a paper with numbers and count out the LEGO next to it.
- Snack time! Use dice and fruit snacks and play until you eat them all up, like Kids Activities Blog.
- Have a bean bag toss on the stairs, number them!
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Counting Activities for Preschoolers
One to One Correspondence Activities for Preschoolers
Knowing your numbers is one thing and knowing how to count is another. But being able to put them into context that they each have meaning is done with one to one correspondence.
Get ready for preschool with 35 name activities!
I love these 12 number activities that help a preschool practice one to one correspondence.
- Head out into nature and explore flowers. Count and compare flower petals!
- Go on a hunt for a number and match it to its corresponding dots.
- Build towers of blocks on a number mat, with the correct number of blocks high!
- Spark your child’s interest with their interests! A farming approach of loading grain bins with the corresponding number of pieces of “grain.”
- Have a newspaper throwing game and count up the newspaper balls, or how many you make, or miss!
- Make something in the kitchen together, or do an experiment and let your child measure out and do the counting.
- Sort through objects by color, and count how many you have of each!
- Fill a dump truck with objects (like Dominoes!) and count how many you can fit in there, like Inspiration Laboratories.
- Estimate first for some fun and then count item, from Teach Preschool.
- Have a counting race in the front yard and pick dandelions in the process!
- Roll a die (or two!) and practice one to one correspondence as kids build towers with blocks.
- Use a dice and small objects (like pom poms or corn kernels) and count them and fill up a tray.
One to One Number Activities for Preschoolers
Counting and number books that will get preschoolers excited about numbers:
- The Baker’s Dozen: A Counting Book
- I Spy Numbers
- One Big Building: A Counting Book About Construction (Know Your Numbers)
Do you actively work on numbers and counting with your child? Share your favorite activities!
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About Jamie Reimer
Jamie learned to be a hands on mom by creating activities, crafts and art projects for her three boys to do. Jamie needed the creative outlet that activities provided to get through the early years of parenting with a smile! Follow Jamie on Pinterest and Instagram!
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Super Simple Number Match Slap with Playing Cards
You are here: Home / Activities / Learning / Math & 123s / Super Simple Number Match Slap with Playing Cards
26 Feb
Math & 123s
Move & LearnPreschoolersMatching
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Grab some playing cards for a lively game of number match slap! You'll love this super hands-on way to work on number matching skills!
I just realized the potential of playing cards and learning numbers.
Duh!
Super Simple Number Match Slap with Playing Cards
We played a number match game with them, they’re great for number recognition!
Even more so than recognizing numbers, a deck of playing cards are absolutely wonderful for one to one correspondence. George practiced a little of that with this number match to help him out.
I sorted out all the cards 2-10 and took out the rest.
I could have used aces for ones. But it was a number recognition name, A is not a number.
But keeping aces and face cards in the mix would work well for one to one correspondence.
I taped all the hearts – any suit would work – on the wall.
I taped it fancy-style, with the tape all curled up on the back so you don’t see it… yeah, I’m fancy like that sometimes.
I even taped the rest of the suits just like that, tape on the back. And laid them all out for George to grab.
I sorted them by suit and put them in order by number. Looking back, I should have probably did it by number.
George could have matched all the 2s at one time, then all the 3s. That way it really reinforced number recognition.
But it really doesn’t matter in the long run, and the extra challenge of mixing the numbers was fun.
Number Match Slap on the Wall
I didn’t have George go in any sort of order though. He just grabbed a card and looked to the wall to find the number match.
Once he found the match, he would slap it on top to stick it to original card.
I think this would be great for three kids about the same age to play together. Each of them could get a suit of cards and they each race to slap the right card on the 2s, and then the 3s and so on.
Henry is far too beyond this though. It wouldn’t have been any fun for George if Henry played with him.
Yes, that’s Louis sitting there, with a card in his mouth. He tried!
Number Match Slap Perfect for Recognition
George doesn’t know his numbers yet.
He can count to 10 almost perfectly though.
He just can’t tell what a 5 looks like.
So this was definitely more about doing the number match instead of calling out the numbers.
Of course, I would stick in questions, asking him what the number was.
Try 40 more number activities to build number and math skills!
Most of the time, George didn’t know. So I’d have him count the number of things in the “box”(our cards had a box around each group).
And he could do that pretty well. He’s not the best at one to one correspondence either, so we counted together a lot.
For the most part though, it was about looking at the number and matching it to the one on the wall. (By the way, 6 and 9 got very confusing since the numbers are upside down on the bottom of each card!)
Another number match activity we did was a heart hunt for Valentine’s Day, but it could be changed up to anything!
Check out the number match parking lot at B-Inspired Mama by Craftulate too! My boys would love that!
Take it another level further and work on one to one correspondence with dice and blocks!
What are your favorite number activities? We’d love to add your ideas to our collections!
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About Jamie Reimer
Jamie learned to be a hands on mom by creating activities, crafts and art projects for her three boys to do.
Jamie needed the creative outlet that activities provided to get through the early years of parenting with a smile! Follow Jamie on Pinterest and Instagram!
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Methods of familiarizing children with numbers.
Introducing numbers to children.
Preschool childhood is the most important period for the development of children's mathematical concepts. The whole further path of the mathematical development of the child largely depends on how they are laid down.
There are two important reasons why children should be taught mathematics. The first of these is obvious: mathematical calculations are one of the highest functions of the human brain. Only humans have the ability to count. In addition, this skill is very useful in life, because in a civilized society it has to be used almost daily. We count from childhood to old age. Children and adults, builders and financiers count.
The second reason is much more important.
Children should be taught to count as early as possible, as this will contribute to the physical development of the brain, intellect.
When we use the word " number ", we mean the characters that indicate the number - 2 or 5, or 9. When we use the word " number ", we mean the actual number of objects themselves, which can be two, five or nine:
It is in this difference - between the perception of quantity with the help of symbols and the concept of the actual number of objects - that children have an advantage over adults.
The formation of the concept of a natural number in preschool children occurs on the basis of operating with sets of objects: a set of sticks, geometric shapes (circles, squares, cubes), household items (two chairs), games (three dolls), food (two carrots). Even before school, children acquire knowledge about quantity and quantitative relationships from various sources, among which the words and actions of adults, which children actively imitate, are of particular importance.
The child is surrounded by objects that differ in size, shape, color, quantity. With the help of an adult, the baby learns to name and distinguish them, to use them. As the child develops, his relationship with the outside world changes, new concepts are formed in him.
The task of familiarizing children with numbers is set according to the "Program of education and training in kindergarten" under the program "Childhood" (author Loginova V.I. and team) from the middle group.
It is necessary to adhere to the principle : one lesson - one number.
Preschoolers are introduced to each individual digit, correlating it with the number through actions with subject sets. To do this, the teacher demonstrates the figure, inviting the children to consider its outline; children create an appropriate set by putting aside a certain number of objects; circle the index finger of the right hand along the contour of the figure, assimilating its outline. To consolidate the acquired knowledge, various didactic games such as “Instruction”, “Shop”, as well as exercises are used: indicate a number that is more (less) by one than the one named (should show the number), etc.
Inviting children to count some group of objects, for example, six dolls, the teacher draws attention to the fact that you can find out about the number of dolls without seeing them themselves, but only by looking at a card with six circles on a strip. She asks the children to remember when they did this before. Children remember that they looked for a group of toys and placed cards with the same number of circles on them. The teacher confirms the correctness of childhood memories and says that the dolls can be conditionally marked with circles. At the next stage, the teacher asks the children the following questions: “Do circles always have to be arranged in a row?” After listening to several answers, shows a numerical figure? “Can this numerical figure show the number of our dolls?” Next, the teacher invites the children to conditionally designate the groups of toys with the corresponding numerical figure. Gradually, the teacher leads the children to the conclusion: “But you have to count circles on a numerical figure, like dolls.
But does anyone know how adults indicate the number, not counting the circles on the card, and they immediately find out that one card is three, the other is five, the third is eight. Who can guess?
Specially made cards are widely used when reading numbers. The card is divided into two unequal parts: the left one is smaller, the right one is larger. At the bottom of the card, a strip of paper is glued along its entire length so that a pocket is obtained. A card with a number is inserted into the left side, and a blank sheet of paper is inserted into the right side, on which the child must draw as many objects as the number shows.
To reinforce the concept of a number and its corresponding set you can use exercise . The preschooler trains in the selection of numbers for the required number of figures. And vice versa, selects the required number of them near the corresponding number.
For a given set of objects, select the desired number (4 kittens, each was given a fish.
Only 4 fish. Show with a number how many fish are taken. Check, count together in chorus, attach the number 4).
Pick up an object set for the number, for example, Winnie the Pooh shows the number 3, asks to show the same number of balls, pictures or other objects. Children show pictures with three balloons).
We use the game "Find the right pictures". Children receive boxes with a set of pictures (5-6 pictures) and a number. To the figure, they must match all the pictures with the corresponding number of objects.
Game "A number for each picture". Children receive a set of pictures that show a different number of objects (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) and numbers. For each picture, the child must choose the correct number.
Kindergarten does not teach how to write numbers, but it is very important that children learn the correct direction of hand movement when writing different numbers.
To consolidate the records of numbers , various survey actions :
Putting with a finger,
Writing numbers with a finger in the air, 9,0003
“Sand digits,
Laying out counters.
, from threads on velvet paper,
modeling numbers from plasticine,
writing numbers with a finger on the croup,
shading of contour figures,
reading of famous literary works.
Children learn numbers easily and with interest. However, they often have difficulties in distinguishing between numbers , similar in outline: 1 and 4; 2 and 5; 6 and 9. Therefore, when studying the number , they carefully examine , highlight its elements, look for objects with which you can compare the number . This is necessary in order for children to better remember the image of the number, not to mix it with other images of numbers. (example: Stick and pea, and above them - a shelf. (number 5)
For example, when studying the number 4, after examining its style, you need to offer to remember what familiar number it looks like (number 1), compare them by style, highlight what they have in common and how they differ.
Children themselves compare 2 and 5; and in the senior group - 3 and 8; 6 and 9.
When comparing numbers 2 and 5, children are asked to first count one group of objects on the teacher's table and raise the corresponding number, then count the second group and also correlate the number of toys with a certain number. The outlines of these numbers are analyzed and compared with each other. Pay attention to the fact that in number 2 there is an incomplete circle at the top, and in number 5 it is at the bottom right;
So, the acquaintance of children with numbers is not a complex methodological problem, since middle-aged and older preschoolers easily memorize symbolic images: letters, numbers, signs. There is no special need to memorize a certain amount of symbolism with children by heart in the preschool period, but it also makes no sense to artificially fence off the child from it either, since he constantly encounters images of numbers in everyday life - from his apartment number and grandmother's phone number to the number of the desired television channel or bus .
Timely familiarization of children with numbers helps them comprehend the number as an indicator of quantity, abstract it from specific content, and expand the possibilities of using numbers in practical activities.
Learning numbers for children aged 5-6. Exercises to consolidate the score up to 5
Mathematics for children. Where to start learning numbers
From the age of two, children's thinking develops at a rapid pace. It's time to introduce your child to simple mathematical concepts and counting. Kids already know a lot of geometric shapes, have an idea about the shape and size. Developing games and exercises will help to make friends with numbers and figures.
If practiced regularly, then by the age of three it will be possible to develop the first mathematical skills:
- the child will learn to count sequentially from one to five;
- will understand the difference between the concepts of "one" and "many";
- will learn what the words “more, less, equally” mean, get used to comparing groups of objects;
- will remember the graphic representation of the first five digits, be able to recognize them on the cards and compare them with the quantity;
- will recognize the signs “+” and “―”, learn how to perform simple addition and subtraction examples.
At first, the baby learns to count objects by pointing or touching them. So it is easier to join the visual-figurative thinking. To make counting a habit, ask your child to help you. Let him bring a certain number of spoons, apples, socks.
An indispensable condition for success is the good mood of the child and mother, praise for the efforts of the crumbs. Noticing signs of fatigue, take a break: let the baby jump, run, rest. A quarter of an hour a day is enough for casual activities.
At what age can children start learning to count?
Natalya Melnichuk, head, educational psychologist of developmental programs at the Zvyozdochka Children's Center (Simferopol):
— We teach children counting from the age of two. We study the score by playing various games with the help of counting material. Anything can act as a counting material: capsules from kinder surprises, various wooden or plastic figures, balls. Mobile musical games work very well, aimed at collecting the right amount of items.
In fact, even a one-year-old toddler is able to remember numbers. It is enough to show him a visual designation of a number regularly throughout the day and say its name aloud. When the baby starts talking, he will be able to reproduce the words he heard in the cradle and associate them with the image of a particular sign.
At the age of 3-5 years, the main form of activity becomes a game. She helps the baby learn numbers, and count, find out the number and determine the number of objects.
How to teach a child numbers?
The sooner the learning process begins (especially in a home atmosphere), the easier it will be to achieve a positive result. The main thing is that it should be interesting, entertaining and unobtrusive. It is not difficult to memorize, since memorizing the number easily occurs during the game, using colorful pictures, vivid visual images, and favorite toys.
Learning Numbers with Preschoolers
Learning Numbers with Preschoolers
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Purpose: to fix the score within 5.
Objectives: To get acquainted with the numbers from 0 to 5.
Develop a sense of love for nature.
I would like to present my work (Video clip “Learn numbers”, where I tried to draw the attention of children to objects of animate and inanimate nature. Children in a playful way can easily watch a ladybug. Which symbolizes an object of wildlife (bees, a frog, turtles).
Children see changes in the weather (inanimate nature) - the sun is shining, it is raining (sound of rain).And so I wanted to attract children to numbers on a rainy spring day (connecting all these magic threads) and spend time at home with benefit.After all, children really want to entertain yourself, find a source of positive emotions.0003
Together with the ladybug, we invite you to remember the numbers from 0 to 5. And together with us, learn to recognize them well, distinguish and name them. We play and repeat the numbers with us. This format of working with children helps to keep in touch with pupils and their parents while working remotely.
Step-by-step instructions for teaching a child to count
Adults think and perceive the world differently: someone operates better with images and objects, while someone is easier to navigate in abstract mathematical categories. As for young children, everything is simpler here: with rare exceptions, they all perceive the world through objects, and abstractions for the time being are beyond their understanding.
Therefore, in order to teach a child to count, it is necessary to operate either with the objects themselves or with their images. The first is preferable, since it is very important that the baby can not only see what he has to count, but also feel, smell, and even, possibly, try on the tooth.
The reason lies precisely in the fact that he needs to link an abstract number with an object that is understandable to him, real and perceptible by all senses. It can be fruits, vegetables, sweets, toys, and even your own fingers (in this case, of course, you should not try it on the tooth).
It is especially important to work with objects when you are dealing with very young children aged 1.5-2 years. Older guys are already excellent at operating with pictures.
"Dog and Cat"
You can start training at about a year and a half, but at this age, when the child still does not really know how to speak, you should not expect any outstanding results from him. Just introduce him to the concept of counting - lay out toys in front of him and say: “Here is one dog. But the dog and the cat” and so on. Give the baby a toy in each pen so that he subconsciously associates their number with the number of hands. In a word, prepare him for future learning.
Count everything you see
From the age of three, full-fledged education can begin. And start with the simplest, with the fingers, because there are just ten of them.
Starting from this age, try to talk with your child about numbers as much as possible. These can be the simplest phrases: “We live on the third floor”, “We need bus number 15, and we get off at the fourth stop”, and so on.
Ask the child to count all the objects that he sees, as well as steps, stairs and any actions he takes. At this stage of learning, it is already quite possible to work with pictures, so you can make special cards that show a different number of objects known to the baby: one apple, two plums, three berries.
All kinds of counting verses are very useful at this stage - they are easy to remember, and counting is learned along with them.
In general, when starting to teach a child to count, remember two important things.
- Until about 5 years old, a child cannot operate with abstract concepts, so the account must necessarily be tied to specific objects - real or drawn. For the same reason, do not immediately try to show the child how to write numbers, at least until he begins to confidently count to 10 and solve simple addition and subtraction problems.
- Never scold your baby for mistakes, but do not spare praise. Studying should evoke only positive emotions in him, and the approval of his parents gives him an incentive to study better.
Simple mathematical operations with objects: addition and subtraction
Of course, it is hardly possible for preschool children to solve mathematical problems. But the elementary idea of addition and subtraction is quite acceptable to give them during the game.
Important! If it is difficult for a child, he is tired and does not want to do this, there is no need to insist, ask him to think and give an answer, you just need to switch your attention to another game.
Addition and subtraction are comprehended with the help of familiar objects, heroes of favorite cartoons, toys:
- The doll collects multi-colored buttons - the kid adds and counts.
- The car transports cubes to the construction site, losing one cube along the way - subtracts.
- Teddy bear gets some candies, eats some - subtracts.
- Mom draws berries (mushrooms, apples, nuts, leaves, etc.), closes them with her hand - the kid subtracts, opens - adds.
An interesting game can captivate kids and make the learning process invisible, but quite successful.
One to many math game
By the age of 2, children already know the word “many” and understand what it means. It's time to teach your baby to compare different numbers of objects. As a result of the game, the child should form an idea of how “one” differs from “many”.
Give your child a basket of five balls or marbles. Ask: What is in the basket? (balls). How many balls? (a lot of). I'll take one ball. You, too, take one ball. How many balls do you have? (one).
Let's give one ball to the bear and one to the duck. How many balls are left in the basket? (one). How many were there at the beginning of the game? (a lot of).
“There were a lot of balls in the basket, but there was only one left. Now we will collect all the balls in the basket. Put your ball in there. Take another ball from me. Take the balls from the bear and the duckling." The kid collects balls. “There was one ball in the basket, but how much is it now?” (a lot of).
To consolidate the mathematical concepts “one” and “many” in children's memory, use everyday situations more often: “How many apples are on the table - one or many? (one). What about nuts? (a lot of)".
Use cards with pictures of one or more familiar objects: fruits, vegetables, geometric shapes. First, ask the child to find pictures with one object. Then change the task: you need to show cards where many objects are drawn.
Cups and medals for children
Awards that motivate children to achieve success.
Each child has his own “hall of awards and achievements”.
If the tasks are completed correctly, children receive cups, medals and nominal diplomas.
Awards can be shared on social networks and diplomas can be printed.
Butterflies on Daisies
Draw a row of five large daisies on a piece of paper. Cut out 5 paper butterflies or use pre-made ones. Sit the baby at the table and start the game.
“Daisies have grown in the meadow. How many? Let's count. Well done three.
Beautiful butterflies have arrived. Count how many butterflies? That's right, four. Each butterfly sat on a chamomile (put three butterflies on the flowers, and the fourth one next to it). Look, one butterfly was not enough flower.
Think about why this happened? What do we have more, butterflies or daisies? Well done, there are more butterflies - 4, and fewer flowers - 3 (show cards with numbers). Repeat after me.
Look, one butterfly has flown away. How much is left? That's right, 3. What about flowers? Also 3. Now there are as many daisies as butterflies.
Another butterfly has flown away. Now what is more, flowers or butterflies? More flowers, well done.
How many daisies? Three. And there are 2 butterflies, one less. What needs to be done to make flowers and butterflies equally? That's right, remove one chamomile.
When saying numbers, show cards with the correct numbers. As the game progresses, ask the baby to repeat new words: more, less, equally, the same.
Bunnies with carrots
The game strengthens the skills of counting and quantitative comparison. Designed for children 2, 5-3 years old. Our task is to teach kids how to establish equality between groups of objects.
You will need images of five identical hares and five carrots, a sheet of paper. Draw one under the other 2 parallel lines. The distance between them should be sufficient to accommodate the figures.
Ask your child to place 4 bunnies on the top line and 5 carrots on the bottom line. Make sure that the figures are located exactly one under the other.
This makes it easier for the child to determine the difference in the number of objects.
Ask your child which is more hares or carrots? Offer to count. What can be done to make them equal? That's right, remove 1 carrot.
And if you do not remove the carrot, how can you make it equal? That's right, plant another bunny. How many rabbits are there now? Five. What about carrots? Five. What more? That's right, they are equal.
Such games and exercises teach the child to operate with the concepts of "greater than, less than, equal to".
Exercises for Consolidating Counting to 5
Start your training with sequential counting within five. Remember that the purpose of classes is to captivate the baby with mathematics. To maintain interest, we learn to count casually.
Let's ask the child to help in the kitchen: “We'll have lunch soon. Who will sit at the table? Anya - one, dad - two, mom - three, grandfather - 4, grandmother - 5. Repeat after me. Help mom, get 5 large spoons from the tray so that everyone has one spoon.
Young children willingly imitate their mother's actions.
Helping around the house, the kids at the same time reinforce the skills of mental counting.
Show your baby how to count fingers. Children like rhyming counting rhymes: "One, two, three, four, five, let's count our fingers!".
Count at every opportunity. Count toys, spoons, fruits, animals in a book, cars in the yard. Don't forget that math for 2-3 year olds is supposed to be fun.
Little children love entertaining games:
- The dog wants to go for a walk, but Masha is sleeping. The dog wakes up the girl, jumps and barks: woof-woof! How many times has the dog barked? Show on your fingers. Repeat for several variations.
- Kitten is calling mom. Take a soft toy and say "meow" 4 times. How many times did the kitten meow? Show 4 fingers.
Teach your child to show numbers in different ways. Explain that the number 5 can be shown on one palm or otherwise: 3 fingers on the right hand, and 2 on the left. So the baby learns that numbers are decomposed into component parts.
