22 Number 3 Activities for Preschoolers

When it comes to learning numbers, the number 3 holds a special place.

It is the stepping stone to understanding basic numerical concepts and sets the foundation for further mathematical skills.

Hence we put forth a list of fun number 3 activities for preschoolers.

Counting with Three Friends:

Gather a group of three stuffed animals or toys and invite the preschoolers to join in a counting adventure. Place the toys in a row and ask the children to count them together. Encourage them to touch each toy as they count, reinforcing the concept of one-to-one correspondence. Next, let the children rearrange the toys into different formations and count them again.

Three-Legged Race:

Get the preschoolers up and moving with a thrilling three-legged race! Pair the children up and tie one of their legs together with a soft fabric strip or ribbon. Mark a start and finish line, and let the children hop and giggle their way to victory. Emphasize the number 3 by explaining that each team has three legs altogether. This activity promotes teamwork, coordination, and gross motor skills while reinforcing the concept of three as a numerical value.

Triangle Art:

Introduce the concept of triangles to preschoolers by engaging them in a creative art project. Provide each child with a sheet of paper and various art supplies like crayons, markers, and colored pencils. Show them how to draw and decorate triangles, explaining that triangles have three sides and three corners.

Three Little Objects Sorting:

Gather a collection of small objects in groups of three, such as buttons, colored blocks, or animal figurines. Provide each child with a sorting tray or small containers and invite them to sort the objects based on their attributes.

Hopscotch Number Line:

Transform a classic game of hopscotch into a number recognition and counting activity. Draw a hopscotch grid on the ground using chalk, but instead of numbering the squares in order, place the number 3 in various squares. Demonstrate to the preschoolers how to play by hopping on the squares with the number 3 and counting aloud.

Counting with Nature:

Take your preschoolers on a nature walk and engage them in counting activities using the number 3. Encourage them to find and collect three leaves, three flowers, or three stones. As they gather these items, ask them to count and identify each set of three objects.

Number 3 Hopscotch:

Source: parents.com

Transform the classic game of hopscotch into a number 3 adventure! Draw a hopscotch grid on the ground or use tape indoors, but this time, including the number 3 in each section. Instead of hopping on the traditional single squares, children can jump on the sections with the number 3. They can say “Three!” as they land on each marked spot.

Shape Sorting with Triangles:

Introduce preschoolers to triangles while exploring the number 3 through a shape sorting activity. Gather various objects or picture cards representing different shapes, including triangles. Provide three containers labeled with the numbers 1, 2, and 3.

Three-Ingredient Snack:

Engage preschoolers in a tasty and educational activity by making a simple snack using only three ingredients. Choose a recipe that allows children to measure and count three ingredients, such as fruit skewers with three different fruits or mini sandwiches with three fillings. As they prepare the snack, guide them through the process, emphasizing the importance of counting and using the number 3 correctly.

Number 3 Art Collage:

Encourage preschoolers to express their creativity while exploring the number 3 through an art collage activity. Provide them with various art materials like colored paper, scissors, glue, and magazines. Ask the children to find and cut out three images or objects that they like from the magazines. They can then arrange and glue these items onto a larger sheet of paper or cardboard to create a unique collage.

Number 3 Treasure Hunt:

Organize a number 3 treasure hunt by hiding three sets of objects or pictures around a designated area. Provide each child with a small bucket or bag to collect their treasures. Explain that they need to find three of each item, emphasizing the number 3. For example, you could hide three toy cars, three stuffed animals, or three picture cards.

Three-Letter Word Scavenger Hunt:

Introduce preschoolers to simple three-letter words through an interactive scavenger hunt. Write down a variety of three-letter words on index cards or small pieces of paper and hide them around the room or outdoor area.

Three-Color Painting:

Set up a painting station for preschoolers using three colors of paint. Provide them with a blank canvas or a large sheet of paper and encourage them to use the three colors to create a unique artwork. As they paint, discuss the colors they are using and count how many times they dip their brush into each color.

Shape Construction with Triangles:

Engage preschoolers in a building activity using triangular shapes. Provide them with various materials such as wooden blocks, cardboard cutouts, or magnetic tiles that are primarily triangular in shape. Encourage children to explore and construct different objects using triangular pieces, ensuring that they incorporate the number 3 in their creations. They can build towers with three levels or create houses with three triangular roofs.

Three-Part Puppet Show:

Source: urdumom.com

Organize a puppet show where preschoolers can participate in creating and performing short skits with three characters. Provide a variety of materials such as paper bags, craft sticks, and felt to make puppets. Divide the children into groups of three and encourage them to work together to create a puppet show with a beginning, middle, and end. They can come up with a simple story or act out a familiar tale using their puppets.

Three-Legged Race:

Organize a fun and active three-legged race for preschoolers to participate in pairs. Have children tie one leg together with a soft fabric or use Velcro straps to create the three-legged effect. Mark a racecourse and let the children race while staying connected with their partners.

Counting with Playdough:

Incorporate playdough into a counting activity centered around the number 3. Provide each child with three different colors of playdough. Encourage them to roll the playdough into small balls and count aloud as they make groups of three. They can create three sets of balls in each color or mix the colors to make sets of three.

Three-Step Dance Routine:

Source: youtube.com

Engage preschoolers in a fun and rhythmic dance activity with three simple steps. Teach them three basic dance moves, such as a clap, a jump, and a spin. Practice the steps individually and then combine them to create a three-step dance routine. Play some music and guide the children to perform the routine together, counting each step as they go.

Number 3 Sensory Bin:

Create a sensory bin filled with various materials and objects related to the number 3. Fill a container with sensory materials like colored rice, dried beans, or sand. Add three sets of themed objects such as three toy cars, three plastic animals, or three shape cutouts.

Three-Ingredient Playdough Recipe:

Provide a simple playdough recipe that involves measuring and mixing three ingredients, such as flour, salt, and water. Guide the children through the process, emphasizing the importance of counting and using the number 3. Once the playdough is ready, they can explore and mold it, creating various shapes and objects while reinforcing the concept of three.

Related: 

Number 1

Number 2

Number 4

Number 5

Number 6

Number 7

Number 8

Number 9

Number 10

Sohaib Hasan Shah

Sohaib's journey includes 10+ years of teaching and counseling experience at BCSS School in elementary and middle schools, coupled with a BBA (Hons) with a minor in Educational Psychology from Curtin University (Australia) . In his free time, he cherishes quality moments with his family, reveling in the joys and challenges of parenthood. His three daughters have not only enriched his personal life but also deepened his understanding of the importance of effective education and communication, spurring him to make a meaningful impact in the world of education.

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