Counting and number activities should not be full of challenging and serious tasks. One way to get preschoolers to learn numbers is to have them take their time, but the focus is still on the activity. There’s no need to pressure them because they will develop their number skills more if they have fun while learning!
Challenging them to recognize numbers differently will let them look forward to more. They might suggest another activity or ask you to repeat their favorite one!
You will also not realize that you are learning the basics again with this amazing number of activities. Let your kids actively be engaged with these fun-filled activities that will help them be curious about numbers more.
Number Activities for Preschoolers to Enjoy
Are you excited to hear them joyfully counting numbers and answering you with their confident smiles? If so, here is a list of the number of activities to begin with!
Paint the Numbers
Canvas art will be perfect for them to identify numbers with colors! Prepare tape, blank canvas, different paint colors, and brush. Tape the canvas with three vertical and two horizontal lines, all made apart from each other.
There should be 12 squares, and number them from one to 12. Get a whole sheet of paper and cut it into 12 pieces. The pieces should contain one number (its equivalent word form) and its corresponding color.
Mix it up and let them pick one by one. This way, they will match the numbers and learn their word forms! Afterward, take the tape off and look at their number art.
Hunt for Number Eggs
Let the kids roam around the living room while looking for egg-shaped papers with numbers on them! Prepare 12 eggs with one to 12 numbers, together with the egg tray. The egg tray should also be labeled with one to 12 numbers.
Kids will have a lot of fun while searching for eggs. They will learn to count all the eggs after, and let them match them inside the tray! Recognition for numbers and matching them will be a good start for learning numbers.
Dots and Drawing
You need chalk and a chalkboard to draw and connect dots! Think of one shape at a time; a great example is a square. Make four dots and number them to let your kids follow the dots.
They will not just exercise their drawing skills but also learn how to count numbers as they connect all the dots. Their fine motor skills will also be practiced here!
The Number Mat
Kids will love to learn numbers with this number mat! Prepare the mat but let the numbers be left behind. Let your kids pick one number at a time and look for its right place. Tell them to say the number before pounding it to its corresponding place!
Measuring Hands
Creativity will spark once you let your child measure everything using this handprint craft! Guide your kid in drawing their hand into a piece of paper, and make nine copies. Let them design the handprints and write numbers one to ten on them.
Attach the handprints to a stick or long cardboard. Kids can now use this and measure flashlights, towels, or other household items that are fun to measure! Encourage them to name the number for every object they want to measure.
Count with Trucks
Dump trucks are toys that can be filled with fun, small objects! Gather dominoes (or other objects) and count with your kid as they pile them one by one. Your child will also practice fine motor skills and balance as they go along with the pile.
Estimate More
Estimating numbers is also good practice for their number skills. Gather jars and fill them with different amounts of tokens, and let your children guess how many tokens there are! Take note of their answers and explanations after you have taken all the tokens out.
Dice and a Treat
Here is an activity where you will learn how to count while eating a favorite treat! Roll the dice and count the number. You can decide if you will add or subtract treats from the number of the dice.
Let your kids have their answer first once you tell them to add or subtract the treats. If one or two treats are left, then let them eat them as a reward!
Strategies for Teaching Numbers to Preschoolers
Preschoolers love to challenge themselves while they explore the world. With these strategies, they can be more confident in facing all the activities they have to face, especially in the future.
- Start with the basic
It is better to stick first with one to ten number formation. They don’t have to be overwhelmed with the numbers all at once. Start counting until ten, and slowly add the following numbers until 20.
- Start at the top
When a child needs to write in numerical form, they tend to be confused about where to start. Remember that writing numbers always start from the top. Let them practice more and try to make them remember this.
- Start using materials
After recognizing and understanding basic number concepts, they must practice writing the numbers for better critical development. Start using chalks for them to write and erase quickly. Slowly transition them with crayons to make them inspired by the colors. Lastly, use a pencil to enhance numbers on paper properly.
Frequently Asked Questions on Number Activities for Preschoolers
How do you teach numbers to preschoolers in a fun way?
They can incorporate numbers with art, colors, and drawings! These are fun and creative ways to encourage them to learn and develop. They can practice their fine motor skills and develop their senses. Kids will love to explore numbers with these types of activities!
How do you teach numbers with activity?
You can let them hunt and look for numbers inside the living room! Their observation skills will also be enhanced while counting with the numbers they have found. Another fun-filled activity is to make dots and let the kids follow them to draw a shape! The dots will be appropriately numbered for them to follow it.
What are number sense skills?
This includes number recognition, counting numbers, comparing numbers, estimating, number formation, number order, and one-to-one correspondence! All of these can make kids enjoy themselves while engaging with numbers. Their confidence in working with numbers grows as they encounter these skills with the activities given.
What is the easiest way to teach numbers to children?
You can start with the three strategies. First, let them always start with the basics. Counting one to ten with them will make them familiar with numbers. They won’t also feel pressure! Second, while learning to write numbers, they must remember that it is always from the top. Third, always use simple materials to make them comfortable with numbers.
What is the best way to teach number sense?
Always notice numbers and math every day. Shapes and sizes can also be found everywhere, so make sure to point them out to them. You can also encourage them by counting numbers with them. Another best way is to let them have dice and dots since these are both easy to count!
How do you make number recognition fun?
You can make a measuring handprint with your child! These handprints are numbered and can be designed with your child. Your child can measure household objects with these handprints and explain what is more significant or diminutive. Comparing sizes is also a good practice for children who learn numbers.
What are number strategies?
These simple strategies impact the different number of activities for your preschoolers. Strategies that start with the basics won’t let your kids be overwhelmed. They won’t feel pressure and will enjoy the transition they have to experience for better recognition of numbers.
Why is it important for preschoolers to learn numbers?
Numbers and math skills are needed in every daily activity. Preschoolers won’t even notice that they are already making sense of the world through their simple development in basic mathematics. This is when they want to explore and be challenged with what they have to learn, so this is an excellent opportunity for them to start understanding numbers.
What is number concept development?
This is where preschoolers will focus on counting. They start practicing counting verbally and with their hands. Eventually, they will begin to connect objects with their strategies. They can understand corresponding situations, such as pointing to a number and saying it aloud.
What activity is great for children who struggle with number recognition?
Let them have dice so they will be aware of the dots and how they work when thrown. They can also have an activity where they have to paint with numbers to inspire them more with counting. They can also have the number mat where they can be encouraged to look for the corresponding place where the numbers should be.
