This collection of engaging number activities is designed to make counting, number recognition, and basic math concepts fun and accessible for preschoolers and toddlers.
From interactive counting games and hands-on sorting challenges to creative number crafts, these activities transform abstract numerical ideas into concrete, enjoyable experiences.
By incorporating play and everyday objects, these exercises lay the foundation for mathematical thinking in a way that’s both natural and exciting for young learners.
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1. Nancy Number Face
This activity, Nancy Number Face, involves creating facial expressions using numerical values assigned to different features of a face, such as eyes, nose, and mouth.
Learn more: How we learn
2. Number Towers
Number Towers, using number cups, is an engaging activity where children stack cups labeled with numerical values to build towers. Each cup represents a different number, and children arrange them in ascending or descending order to construct their tower cups.
Learn more: Activity Mom
3. Using Connect the Dots Printables to Teach Numbers
Using connect the dots printables to teach numbers is a dynamic educational tool that combines fun and learning. Children connect the dots in numerical order, forming shapes or pictures, while simultaneously reinforcing number recognition and sequencing skills.
Learn more: Fun Learning for Kids
4. Number Puzzles
This activity involves matching number cards with corresponding circles representing quantities. It’s a simple yet effective way to reinforce number recognition and understanding of numerical quantities in young learners.
Learn more: Math Kids and Chaos
5. Number Chain Made from Toilet Paper Tubes
This activity, Number Chain Made from Toilet Paper Tubes, involves creating a physical representation of a number chain using toilet paper tubes labeled with consecutive numbers.
Learn more: Hands on as we grow
6. Cotton Ball Apple Tree Counting
This activity involves counting cotton balls placed on an apple tree picture. Teachers should introduce it to students as it promotes early math skills, such as counting and number recognition, in a fun and engaging way.
Learn more: Happy Toddler Play Time
7. Number Pocket Game
This activity entails a number pocket game using popsicle sticks. By engaging in hands-on activities like inserting sticks into labeled pockets, students actively participate in counting and identifying numbers.
Learn more: Toddler Approved
8. Stuffed Felt Numbers
This activity involves creating stuffed felt numbers. These felt numbers can serve as versatile teaching aids, facilitating various math-related activities and games in the classroom.
Learn more: How we learn
9. Caterpillar Pompom Counting
This activity involves counting pompoms to create a caterpillar. By arranging pompoms to form a caterpillar, students practice one-to-one correspondence and basic math concepts. This activity can be adapted for different levels of difficulty, allowing for individualized learning experiences.
Learn more: Happy Toddler Play Time
10. Hot Chocolate Counting Sensory Bag
This activity involves creating a sensory bag filled with hot chocolate-themed materials for counting. Teachers should introduce it to students as it combines sensory exploration with mathematical learning. By manipulating the materials inside the bag, such as marshmallows or cocoa beans, students engage their senses while practicing counting and basic math skills.
Learn more: Happy Toddler Play Time
11. Apple Tree Q-Tip Counting
This activity involves using Q-tips to count apples on an apple tree picture. . By dipping Q-tips in paint or ink and then placing them on the apple tree, students engage in a hands-on learning experience that reinforces numerical concepts.
Learn more: Happy Toddler Play Time
12. Snack Math Activity
This activity involves using snacks for math-related exercises. e. By incorporating snacks like crackers, fruits, or candies, students can practice counting, addition, subtraction, and even basic fractions in a hands-on manner.
Learn more: Fun a Day
13. Roll and Dot the Number Math Activity
Students roll the dice, then dot or color in the corresponding number on a sheet with that number of dots. This activity, Roll and Dot the Number Math Activity, is a fun and engaging way for students to practice number recognition and counting skills. To set it up, simply provide dice and markers.
Learn more: Fun Learning for Kids
14. Easy DIY Math Fishing Game
The Easy DIY Math Fishing Game using paper with holes is a delightful and interactive way to reinforce math skills. Begin by creating fish-shaped cutouts with numbers written on them an
Learn more: Taming Little Monster
15. Number Activity Mats
With materials like laminated mats, counters, and dry-erase markers, students can interact with numbers through various hands-on exercises such as counting objects, matching numerals, or solving simple equations.
Learn more: Early Learning Ideas
16. Tracing Numbers on Tape
Create large numbers on the tape, leaving enough space between each digit for tracing. Then, stick the tape onto a smooth surface, such as a table or floor.
Learn more: Hands on as we grow
17. Find the Number and Pop It
Write numbers on individual bubbles of a large sheet of bubble wrap. Spread the bubble wrap out on the floor or a table. Participants then search for specific numbers and, upon finding them, pop the corresponding bubble.
As they pop the bubble, they can say the number out loud or engage in a related math activity, such as counting objects or solving simple equations.
Learn more: Hands on as we grow
18. Q-tip Number Tracing Activity
To set up, provide children with a sheet of paper with large letters or shapes drawn on it. Dip the tip of a Q-tip in paint or ink, then have the children trace over the outlines of the letters or shapes using the Q-tip.
Learn more: Toddler at Play
19. Water Balloon Target Practice
Fill water balloons and have participants take turns throwing them at the targets. Each successful hit earns points or rewards. It’s perfect for parties, picnics, or backyard play.
Learn more: Motherhood on a Dime
20. LEGO Math
LEGO Math is a creative and hands-on approach to learning mathematical concepts using LEGO bricks. Children can explore a wide range of math topics, including counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, geometry, and more, through building and play.
Learn more: Do, Play, Learn
21. Pick & Count
To start, provide a selection of small objects such as buttons, beads, or toy animals. Children then “pick” a certain number of items from the collection and put them into the corresponding number
Learn more: Engaging Littles
22. Post-It Number Line Math Activity
Begin by creating a line on a wall or whiteboard, labeling it with integers or fractions depending on the level of the students. Then, provide students with Post-It notes and ask them to write numbers, equations, or math problems on them.
Learn more: Busy Toddler
23. Number Activity Mats
Number activity mats are versatile teaching tools designed to reinforce numerical concepts in an interactive and tactile way. These mats typically feature numbers along with corresponding images or representations, allowing students to engage in various activities such as counting, matching, and sorting.
Learn more: Early Learning Ideas
24. Counting and Number Matching with Paper Cups
Counting and number matching with paper cups involves placing cups onto a mat with corresponding numbers or dots, similar to those on dice. It offers opportunities for differentiation by adjusting the complexity of the mat or the number of cups used, making it suitable for various skill levels.
Learn more: Fun Learning for Kids
25. Counting to Five with Hand Crafts
Counting to five with hand crafts involves creating handprint outlines and inserting hair ties onto the fingers to represent counting.
Learn more: 7 Days of Plays
26. Counting Blocks While Building Towers
Counting blocks while building towers on number mats involves placing blocks onto mats with corresponding numbers, matching the number of blocks to the numeral on the mat.
Learn more: Hands on as we grow
27. Learn to Count with Grain Bins
Learning to count with grain bins involves using grain bins as a visual aid for counting and numerical activities. Teachers should introduce this activity to students as it provides a real-world context for mathematical learning.
By counting the number of grains in each bin or arranging bins in numerical order, students practice counting, number recognition, and basic math skills.
Learn more: Hands on as we grow
28. Ice Cream Math
This activity, Ice Cream Math, involves using printed activity sheets where students place pompoms above cone illustrations to simulate ice cream scoops. By integrating visual and tactile elements reminiscent of ice cream, this activity makes learning math more engaging and enjoyable for students.
Learn more: Fun a day
29. Feed the Shark Math Game
In the “Feed the Shark Math Game,” students roll a dice and then select a fish with a corresponding number. They then solve a math problem related to that number before feeding it to the shark.
Learn more: Taming Little Monster
30. Number Maze
In the Number Maze activity, students navigate a taped road marked with numbers to reach a designated endpoint. Along the way, they must follow a specific mathematical operation (such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) to progress through the maze.
Learn more: Hands-on as we grow
31. Hair Clip Math
In Hair Clip Math, students utilize clothespins to clip onto printed heads labeled with numbers. By attaching the clothespins to the corresponding numerical values, students engage in a tactile and visual method of practicing mathematical concepts.
Learn more: From pond blog spot
32. Cereal Box Puzzles Counting
In Cereal Box Puzzles Counting, students utilize cereal boxes or similar materials to create puzzles related to counting and numerical concepts. By cutting the boxes into pieces and labeling them with numbers or numerical representations, students engage in a hands-on activity that reinforces counting skills and numerical recognition.
Learn more: Hands on as we grow
33. Number Rocks for Hands on Math
In Number Rocks for Hands-On Math, students utilize physical rocks or stones labeled with numbers to engage in interactive mathematical activities.
Learn more: Fun a day
34. Winter Math Fun with Counting Snowballs
In Winter Math Fun with Counting Snowballs, students engage in a hands-on activity where they count snowballs to practice basic counting skills. Using snowball props or visual representations, students immerse themselves in a winter-themed math exercise that reinforces numerical concepts in a fun and interactive way.
Learn more: Fun a day
35. Earth Day Math Sensory Bin
In the Earth Day Math Sensory Bin, students explore mathematical concepts using an Earth-themed sensory bin filled colored-rice. Within the bin, Easter eggs labeled with numbers are hidden. By incorporating tactile and visual elements along with the thematic relevance of Earth Day, students are motivated to participate actively in math exercises.
Learn more: Fun a day
36. Simple Pumpkin Seed Counting Activity
Students then count the seeds individually or in groups, practicing numerical concepts in a tactile and interactive manner. This activity is introduced to students as it offers a simple yet effective way to develop counting proficiency while incorporating seasonal elements.
Learn more: Fun a day
37. Thanksgiving Math with Foam Turkeys
In Thanksgiving Math with Foam Turkeys, students participate in math activities using foam turkey props. These props can be utilized for a variety of mathematical concepts such as counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and more.
Learn more: Fun a day
38. Math Activities with Acorn
Math Activities with Acorns engage students in hands-on mathematical exercises using acorns as manipulatives. By incorporating natural materials like acorns, students are encouraged to explore mathematical concepts in a tangible and interactive way.
Learn more: Fun a day
39. Pizza Counting
In Pizza Counting, students learn counting by using pizza slices as a visual aid. Teachers introduce this activity to students as it provides a fun and relatable context for practicing counting skills.
Learn more: Mindy Makes
40. Christmas Math Game with Jingle Bells
In the Christmas Math Game with Jingle Bells, students decorate foam-shaped trees with red jingle bells while engaging in math activities.
Learn more: Fun a day
41. Valentine Math Activity
In the Valentine Math Activity – Broken Heart Numbers, students engage in a math exercise where they work with heart-shaped puzzles that contain broken numbers.
Learn more: Fun a day
42. Number Magnet Match
In Number Magnet Match, students engage in a hands-on activity where they match magnetic numbers to corresponding numerals or quantities on a magnetic surface.
Learn more: My Fabulous Class
43. Printable Number Bingo
This activity, Printable Number Bingo, involves playing a bingo game with numbers instead of traditional bingo items. Students put a sticker on the corresponding number that the host announces.
Learn more: Design, Eat, Repeat
44. Bead Counting
By physically moving and manipulating the beads, students engage in a tactile and visual learning experience that enhances comprehension and retention. Bead Counting encourages active participation and fosters a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, making it an effective tool for teaching counting skills.
Learn more: Jovanna
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