One of the essential math skills is number recognition, which lays the foundation for future mathematical learning.
Preschool is the perfect time to start introducing numbers to children in a fun and engaging way.
We will explore some fun Number Recognition Activities for Preschool that are easy to implement and will help your child develop a love for math.
Counting Cookies:
Children love to play with pretend food, and counting cookies are a fun way to introduce numbers to preschoolers. You can create your own cookies using felt or construction paper, or purchase a set online. Start by placing the cookies on a plate and ask your child to count how many there are. You can also use the cookies to practice addition and subtraction by adding or taking away cookies from the plate.
Number Bingo:
Bingo is a classic game that can be adapted to help children learn numbers. Create your own bingo cards using numbers 1-20 and play with your child. You can use small objects like buttons or beans as markers for the game. As you call out each number, your child can place a marker on the corresponding number on their bingo card. This game helps with number recognition and counting skills.
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Number Scavenger Hunt:
Scavenger hunts are always a hit with kids, and a number scavenger hunt is a great way to teach number recognition. Create a list of numbers 1-20 and hide them around the house or outside. Give your child a basket or bag to collect the numbers as they find them. Once they have found all the numbers, have them place them in order to reinforce number sequencing.
Number Fishing:
This activity requires a little prep work, but it is well worth it. Cut out fish shapes from construction paper and write numbers 1-10 on each fish. Use a magnet to attach paper clips to the fish and create a fishing rod using a stick, string, and magnet. Have your child “fish” for the numbered fish and then place them in order from smallest to largest.
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Number Hopscotch:
Hopscotch is a classic playground game that can be adapted to teach number recognition. Use sidewalk chalk to draw a hopscotch board, but instead of using numbers 1-10, use random numbers between 1-20. Have your child jump on each number as you call them out. You can also switch roles and have your child call out the numbers for you to jump on, which helps reinforce their own number recognition skills.
Number Match-Up:
Create a set of cards with numbers on them, and a corresponding set of cards with objects or pictures. Mix up the cards and ask your child to match each number card with its corresponding object or picture card. For example, they might match the number “5” with a card that has five apples on it.
Number Sticker Collage:
Give your child a sheet of paper and a set of number stickers. Encourage them to create a collage using the stickers, arranging them in numerical order. This activity helps with both number recognition and fine motor skills.
Number Memory Game:
Create a set of matching cards with numbers on them, and play a game of memory with your child. This game helps with concentration and memory skills, as well as reinforcing number recognition.
Number Charades:
Write numbers 1-20 on small pieces of paper and put them in a hat. Take turns acting out each number for the other person to guess. This game is a fun way to get kids moving while also learning numbers.
Number Race:
Draw a large number line on the ground or on a piece of paper. Give your child a small toy car or other object and ask them to race it along the number line, calling out each number as they pass it. This game helps with number recognition and counting skills.
Number Puzzles:
Create simple number puzzles by cutting out cardboard or paper into puzzle pieces and writing numbers 1-10 on them. Mix up the puzzle pieces and have your child put them back together in order.
Number Tower:
Use blocks or other building materials to create a tower. Start by placing one block on the ground and ask your child to add a block to the top, counting each block as they go. This activity helps with both number recognition and spatial awareness.
Number Painting:
Set up a painting station with paper and paint. Ask your child to paint a picture using a specific number of objects or colors. For example, they might paint a picture using 5 blue dots and 3 red dots. This activity helps with both number recognition and creativity.
Number Tracing:
Use a pencil or marker to write numbers 1-10 on a piece of paper. Have your child trace over the numbers with a different colored marker. This activity helps with fine motor skills and reinforces number recognition.
Number Songs:
Sing songs that incorporate counting and number recognition, such as “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” or “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.” Singing is a fun and engaging way to teach preschoolers about numbers.
Number Dominoes:
Create your own set of dominoes using cardboard or paper and write numbers 1-10 on each piece. Play a game of dominoes with your child, matching up the numbers on each piece.
Number Sorting:
Use a set of objects like buttons or beads and ask your child to sort them by number. For example, they might group all the objects that represent the number 3 together. This activity helps with number recognition and sorting skills.
Number Blocks:
Use wooden blocks or other building materials to create towers or structures, placing them in numerical order as you go. This activity helps with both number recognition and spatial awareness.
Number Hunt:
Hide number cards around the house or outside and ask your child to find them. Once they have found all the cards, ask them to place them in order from 1-10 or 1-20 to reinforce number sequencing.
Number Board Games:
Play board games that incorporate counting and number recognition, such as Chutes and Ladders or Candyland. These games are fun and engaging for preschoolers while also helping them develop their math skills.
