Learning numbers can be challenging for many children. However, children learn better when they are taught through play and rhymes. So, we have compiled some number games for kindergarten kids that can help children get acquainted with maths, counting, and numbers. Playing along to number-based nursery rhymes like “One, two, buckle my shoe…” and “Five little speckled frogs” would make any toddler sing along and have fun while learning. We have included ways you can help children learn their numbers better without getting nervous. So, read on to find out more about number-based learning games.
Counting And Number Activities For Kindergarten
The following list has 15 easy number games and activities that you can try with things in your house. All you need is a little preparation, and you’re set to give the kid a numbers lesson.
1. Number Train
Kids love trains and are fascinated by them. In this activity, we make trains with blocks, straws, tape, or anything else that can be stacked in a line to make a train. This activity works well with a group of kids. You will need: Colored wooden blocks (different shapes), a ruler scale or tape, space to play What to do: The objective of the game is to stack a specific (train of three, four, or five) number of blocks horizontally on the floor, to make a train. What kids learn: Number sense and counting are the two things that kids learn with this activity.
2. Find The Number And Pop A Bubble
Bubble wraps are not toys, but we love playing with them, don’t we? This activity uses bubble wrap to learn numbers and have a little fun. Please note that bubble wrap is not a toy. Kids should not be allowed to play with bubble wraps without adult supervision. You will need: A small sheet of bubble wrap (preferably cut in squares) – use one with larger bubbles to be able to write, a gel pen or marker What you do: This can also be used for math practice for older kids. What kids learn: Number recognition
3. Number Hunt
Number Hunt is similar to treasure hunt, except it involves small slips with numbers written on them. This innovative counting game can be a fun group game for kindergarteners. You will need: Slips of paper or post-its, a pen What you do: Prepare for the hunt beforehand. Cut a sheet of paper into small pieces that you can hang with a thread. You could also use post-its instead. What kids learn: Number recognition
4. Tracing numbers
Identifying the number is the first step. The next is to be able to recreate it on paper. One of the best and most effective ways to teach that to a kid is to let them trace the numbers. You will need: Papers or charts, marker, pencil What you do: What kids learn: Writing digits and number recognition
5. Counting with Cups
If you run out of things to count, use Styrofoam or paper cups to teach numbers. The best part is you can reuse the cups several times for the activity. You will need: White paper cups (11), marker pen, small objects like beads, beans, or pasta (55) What you do: What kids learn: Counting, number recognition, and one-to-one correspondence
6. Paint By Number Art
Another way to teach your little one about numbers is through painting by numbers activity. The activity needs the child to focus on the numbers and identify them correctly to get the picture right. What you need: A painting-by-numbers template, paints or crayons to color What you do: What kids learn: Number recognition
7. Connect The Dots
As a kid, I loved playing connect the dots. It was the easiest puzzle in the newspaper, and I would always get it right! What I didn’t know then was that this puzzle could also be used to teach kindergarteners about number sequencing! You will need: Sheets of paper (you can use a white or black board too), a pencil What you do: What kids learn: Number sequencing, number recognition, fine motor practice making lines
8. Count The Number of Things Inside The House
This is a simple counting exercise that you can practice with the kid at any time. You will need: Multiple household items that you can count such as beds, pillows, chairs, doors, etc. What you do: You can repeat with random things such as the number of red (or any other color) items, lights, books on a table, etc. What kids learn: Counting numbers, rote counting, one to one correspondence
9. Rock Paper Numbers
Rock paper scissors is a game we all played as kids. You can play this game with your little boy or girl today, to teach numbers and counting. We call the game Rock Paper and Numbers. You will need: Nothing but time and energy! What you do: The game is a lot of fun when played with a small group of kids. What kids learn: Subitizing, one to one correspondence
10. Counting With Dice
A pair of dice can be great tools for teaching kids how to count. This simple activity can teach them to concentrate and count things. You will need: A board game What you do: What kids learn: Counting, one-to-one correspondence
11. Count The Cars
This is a fun outdoor game that you can play with the kid, when on a road trip. In fact, this is one of the best games to play when traveling, for it also boosts the child’s memory power. You will need: Sit somewhere outdoors, where you can see passing cars. What you do: What kids learn: Counting, color recognition, comparison of less and greater, and memory/retention
12. Number Puzzle
A puzzle can also be used to make math fun for kids. You can get a cardboard puzzle or a wooden puzzle toy that can be used several times and by different kids (in a school). You will need: Number puzzle (bought or made at home) What you do: What kids learn: Number sequencing, solving puzzles, number recognition
13. Collect Flowers And Count
Want the kid to go out more often and experience the beauty of nature? Take them to a garden to gather flowers. And count too. You will need: A trip to the garden or flower market What you do: What kids learn: Sorting, counting
14. Hopscotch Numbers
Hopscotch is a game that little children like to play. You can try a simpler version (the English Cat’s Cradle version) of this game for kindergarteners, with smaller circles and squares they can easily jump on to. You will need: Space to play outdoors – a concrete area preferably, chalk (different colors) What you do: What kids learn: Number recognition
15. Match Playing Cards
Who says playing cards are just for adults? Kids can play with them too, to learn math. You will need: A deck of playing cards What you do: You can use tape to stick the cards together. What kids learn: Number recognition
References:
Understanding problems with numbers Learning addition and subtraction Identifying patterns Counting objects
Although children entering kindergarten do not usually possess this skill, they can identify small groups of numbers without counting (also known as subitizing), which can be considered a prerequisite for number sense.
