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Teaching math to preschoolers doesn’t have to feel like a chore—for you or them! The younger years are the perfect time to make math a joyful adventure. By weaving math concepts into games and playful activities, you can spark curiosity and lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

One of my favorite ways to teach number recognition is through a game called Ball Toss. It’s hands-down the bee’s knees for engaging kids in play-based learning! The best part? It’s adaptable for different skill levels, so whether your child is just starting to count or ready for basic addition, subtraction, or even multiplication, this game grows with them. So let’s explore this game, as well as books and more great opportunities for teaching math.

Why Play-Based Math Matters for Preschoolers

Play-based learning is incredibly effective for young kids. At ages 3 to 5, children are naturally curious, and their brains are wired to learn through exploration and fun. When you introduce math through games, songs, or hands-on activities, you’re not just teaching numbers—you’re helping kids build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a positive attitude toward learning.

Number recognition, the ability to identify numbers and understand what they represent, is a critical first step in math. It’s like learning the alphabet before reading. By making it playful, you’re setting the stage for kids to love math rather than fear it. The activities I share are simple, low-prep, and flexible, so you can adapt them to your child’s needs and interests. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, a preschool teacher, or just looking for ways to keep your little one engaged, these ideas will fit right into your routine. Let’s get started!

Eight Fun Ways to Teach Number Recognition

Here are six practical and engaging ways to help your 3- to 5-year-old master number recognition. These activities are designed to be fun, encourage repetition, and build a strong foundation for math skills. I have used and still use all these for my own kiddos because they’re effective.

Count Everything, Everywhere!

Repetition is key when it comes to learning numbers. The simplest way to start is by counting out loud during everyday moments. Turn routine activities into opportunities to practice number recognition without your child even realizing they’re learning.

Count the stairs as you climb them together, tally the number of apples you put in the grocery cart, as you button their shirt, or count the tiles on the floor while waiting at the doctor’s office. Make it a habit to say numbers aloud and encourage your child to repeat after you. For example, “One, two, three steps! Can you say that with me?”

Hearing numbers repeatedly helps kids become familiar with their names and begin associating them with quantities. It’s a low-pressure way to build number sense. Add a playful twist by counting in a silly voice or turning it into a song. For example, sing “One, two, three, up the stairs we go!” to keep it fun.

Play Hide-and-Seek with a Counting Twist

Hide-and-seek is a classic game that kids love. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in number practice. By incorporating counting into the game, you’re helping your child hear and say numbers in a fun, interactive way. When it’s time to count before seeking, say the numbers aloud and have your child repeat after you. Then you both go to look for siblings. You hide with them and when it’s their time to count again, you are next to them helping.

The repetition of counting aloud helps kids internalize number names. The excitement of the game keeps them engaged. Over time, they’ll start associating numbers with quantities, like counting how many steps it takes to reach a hiding spot. For older preschoolers, extend the counting range to 11–20 to challenge them further.

Apple Math Activity: A Hands-On Counting Game

The Apple Math activity is a simple, repetitive way to teach number recognition. It’s perfect for preschoolers and can be adapted to different skill levels. Plus, it comes with a free printable to make setup a breeze.

Use the free printable from Playing for Hours to create apple-themed cards with numbers on them. You first recite the numbers as you lay down the first row of numbers, the second row requires the cards to be matched with the numbers already laid out, based on how many ladybugs are on the card. Lastly, a third row of numbers is randomly matched and your child is able to check their number recognition knowledge by recounting ladybugs.

Be sure to check out the full post for full instructions. After learning the concept of counting and understanding what counting to 10 means, my boys learn number recognition with this free printable.

Read Math-Focused Children’s Books

Books are a wonderful way to introduce math concepts in a playful, engaging way. In our homeschool, we love books that combine whimsical stories with factual learning. Stories make math feel approachable and fun, while the visuals help kids connect numbers to real-world objects.

Here are five of our favorite math-focused books:

• Click, Clack, 1, 2, 3 by Doreen Cronin: This delightful book follows farm animals as they count from 1 to 10. Point to the numbers as you read and count the animals together to reinforce number recognition.
• Ten Apples Up On Top by Dr. Seuss: This classic is perfect for teaching the concept of quantity. As characters stack apples on their heads, kids see how each number represents a growing pile.
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: This classic follows the caterpillar’s journey as he eats through fruits and numbers, counting from 1 to 5 and beyond in this beloved story.
• Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson: Numbers climb a coconut tree in this rhythmic sequel, making counting and number sequencing exciting and memorable.
• Count! by Denise Fleming: Vibrant paintings showcase bold numbers and creatures, inviting kids to count along in a visually stunning way.

Read these books aloud, pausing to point out numbers and count objects on the page. Ask questions like, “How many animals do we see here?” or “Can you find the number 5?”

Numbers 1–20 Recognition Printable

For a compact, independent activity, try the Numbers 1–20 recognition printable. This printable is designed to help kids practice identifying numbers up to 20 in a way that’s engaging and easy to store.

Print the activity sheet and have your child match the numbers as they say them aloud. As they advance, you can have them use blank options or move to the most difficult sheet where they must put the numbers in order from 1-20.

This printable encourages independent learning and repetition, which are key for memorizing numbers. To make it fun for little hands, you can laminate and add Velcro stickers.

Number Line Wall Display

A number line wall display is a fantastic visual tool for teaching number recognition and beyond. By placing a large number line on the wall, you create a constant, interactive reminder of numbers in your child’s environment.

Create a number line (0–20 is a great start), print on colorful paper, and hang it at your child’s eye level. Point to the numbers and count them together daily. To make it a game, call out a number and have your child find it and slap it with their hand or a flyswatter.

The number line provides a clear visual representation of numbers in order, helping kids understand their sequence and relationship. The game element adds excitement and repetition. If your child is up for a challenge, you can use the number line to introduce early addition. Begin by saying, “Start at 3 and jump two spaces. Where do you land?”

Number Scavenger Hunt

Try a number scavenger hunt, this is a unique flashcard activity. Instead of using flashcards traditionally you hide number cards around the house and have your child find them in order (1, 2, 3, etc.). For a challenge, ask them to find numbers that solve a problem, like “Find the number that’s 2 + 3.”

Sing Math Songs

Driving in the car and need a break from answering incessant questions like “why, Mama?” Instead, sing some great children’s classics like “Five Little Monkeys” or “Ten in the Bed” to reinforce counting in a musical way. Another favorite is “20 Bottles of Milk on the Wall,” this one can go on for a while!

Use toys like cars, blocks, or stuffed animals and count them together. Group them into sets to introduce early addition (such as, “Two cars plus three cars makes how many?”).

Tackling Tricky Numbers: 11–20 and Name Rules

Numbers 11 through 20 can be tricky for preschoolers because they introduce two-digit numbers and irregular naming patterns. For example, 11 and 12 don’t follow the “teen” pattern, and numbers like 13 and 15 sound different from “three-teen” or “five-teen.”

To make this transition smoother, use the number line to show that 11–20 are made of two digits, each with its own name, but together they form a new name. For example, point to 14 and say, “This is one and four, but together it’s fourteen.” Explain that 11 and 12 are special because they don’t have “teen” in their names, while 13 and 15 have unique pronunciations. Practice these numbers repeatedly, using the number line to point them out.

Turn it into a game by calling out numbers and having your child jump to them on the number line, like “Find fifteen!” or “Where’s twelve?” Repetition and visual aids help kids memorize tricky number names. Watching my 4-year-old process “five-teen” and then say “fifteen” after learning the exception was a lightbulb moment and so special to witness. With consistent practice, these numbers will become second nature. The key is to keep it light and playful, so your child doesn’t feel overwhelmed.

Ball Toss: The Ultimate Number Recognition Game

Let’s dive into the star of the show: Ball Toss! This game is a hit with preschoolers because it combines physical activity, problem-solving, and math in a way that feels like pure fun. Here’s how to set it up and play, plus tips for adapting it to different skill levels.

Materials Needed

You’ll need a large bowl, bucket, or an umbrella (an upside-down umbrella works great for catching balls). Gather plastic toy balls, like those used in a ball pit, which are soft and safe for indoor play. You’ll also need a permanent marker and masking tape. Optionally, use a bag or container to hold the balls.

Setup Instructions

Begin by writing numbers 0–10 on the plastic balls using a permanent marker. If you’re working on higher numbers or other skills, you can write 11–20 instead (more on that later).

Place the umbrella or large bowl on one side of an open room. Use masking tape to mark a line on the floor a few steps away from the umbrella, depending on the room’s size. This is the “tossing line” that players can’t cross.

Place the numbered balls in a bowl, bucket, or opaque bag so players can’t see which one they’re picking.

How to Play

To start, you and your child take turns picking a ball from the container. The player must identify the number on the ball. If they get it right, they can try tossing it into the umbrella or bowl. If they get it wrong, the ball goes back into the container.

When it’s your turn, draw a ball and say a number—either the correct one or a bluff. Your child has to look at the ball and decide if you’re telling the truth. If they catch your bluff, they get a point, and you don’t get to toss. If they agree with you and you’re right, you get to toss.

Play to a set score, like 10 successful tosses, or for a certain amount of time. The goal is to keep it fun and engaging, so celebrate every correct answer and successful toss!

Why It Works

Ball Toss combines multiple learning elements. It promotes number recognition, as kids practice identifying numbers by sight. The physical activity of tossing balls adds a kinesthetic element to keep active kids engaged.

The bluffing twist encourages critical thinking, as kids double-check and think critically. Repeatedly identifying numbers reinforces learning in a low-pressure way.

Adapting Ball Toss for Different Skill Levels

The beauty of Ball Toss is its flexibility. For kids who’ve mastered 0–10, write numbers 11–20 on the balls to practice higher number recognition. For advanced learners, ask simple addition or subtraction problems on the balls, like “2 + 3” or “5 – 1.” The child solves the problem, finds the ball with the correct answer, then tosses the ball if they get it right.

For older kids, try multiplication or division problems, like “2 × 3” or “6 ÷ 2,” focusing on problem sets they’re struggling with. If math isn’t the focus, write letters on the balls and have kids identify them or say a word that starts with that letter.

I love this activity because of how easy it is for the entire family to participate. My 7 year old can practice simple subtraction within 20, while my youngest works on simple number recognition of 0-20.

Tips for Success

Keep the game short and sweet, about 10–15 minutes, to match young kids’ attention spans. Praise your child for trying, even if they miss a toss or get a number wrong, to build confidence. Additionally, adjust the tossing line to make it easier or harder, depending on your child’s skill level. Offer a small prize, like a sticker, for reaching a certain score to keep motivation high.

Why These Activities Work for Preschoolers

These activities share key ingredients that make them effective for preschoolers. Repetition helps kids memorize numbers without feeling like they’re studying. Playfulness through games and stories makes learning feel like fun, not work.

Hands-on engagement keeps kids physically active and focused. Flexibility allows you to adapt each activity to your child’s current skill level. Positive reinforcement, like celebrating small wins, builds confidence and a love for learning.

Overcoming Challenges and When to Seek Help

Teaching number recognition can sometimes come with hurdles, but don’t worry—most challenges are normal and can be addressed with patience and a few tweaks. Here are common issues you might encounter and practical tips for overcoming them, along with guidance on when to seek extra support.

Handling Frustration or Lack of Interest

Sometimes, your child might get frustrated when they can’t identify a number or lose interest in a game like Ball Toss. This is common, especially for preschoolers who are still developing focus and emotional regulation. To keep things fun, take a break if you notice signs of frustration, like sighing or disengaging. Switch to a favorite activity, like singing a counting song, and revisit the math game later.

Difficulty with Number Recognition

If your child struggles to recognize numbers, especially tricky ones like 13 or 15, it might just mean they need more repetition or a different approach. Focus on one or two numbers at a time instead of the full range. For instance, practice only “13” and “15” using the number line game, pointing and saying the names together repeatedly.

Incorporate multisensory methods to reinforce learning. For example, trace numbers in sand or shaving cream, or use magnetic numbers they can touch and move. If they’re still struggling after consistent practice (such as, a month with no progress), it could be worth observing if they confuse similar-looking numbers (like 6 and 9) or have trouble with other visual tasks, which might suggest a need for further evaluation.

Advancing Too Quickly or Slowly

Every child learns at their own pace, and it’s okay if your preschooler isn’t ready for numbers 11–20 or addition yet. If they’re breezing through activities, challenge them by adding simple math problems to Ball Toss or introducing concepts like “more” and “less” with the Apple Math activity. If they’re moving slowly, stick to numbers 0–5 until they’re confident before moving forward.

Keep activities varied to maintain interest. For example, alternate between hands-on games like Apple Math and quieter activities like reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The key is to meet your child where they are and celebrate small wins to build their confidence.

When to Seek Help

While most challenges are part of the learning process, there are times when seeking help is a good idea. If your child consistently avoids math activities, shows extreme frustration, or makes no progress after several months of regular practice, it might be worth consulting a professional.

For example, difficulty distinguishing numbers could be related to developmental delays, visual processing issues, or early signs of dyscalculia (a learning difficulty with math). Reach out to your pediatrician or a child development specialist for guidance. They might recommend a vision check, a developmental screening, or strategies tailored to your child’s needs.

Building a Positive Math Mindset

The goal is to make math a positive experience, even when challenges arise. Praise effort over perfection—say, “I love how you kept trying to find that number!” instead of focusing on mistakes. Share your own experiences, like, “I used to mix up 6 and 9 too, but practice helped me get it!” By keeping activities playful and low-pressure, you’re helping your child build a love for math that will carry them far.

Bringing It All Together

Teaching number recognition to preschoolers doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. By incorporating games like Ball Toss, hands-on activities like Apple Math, and simple habits like counting aloud, you’re giving your child a head start in math while keeping it fun and engaging.

These activities are designed to grow with your child, so you can adapt them as their skills develop. Whether they’re just learning to recognize numbers or tackling basic addition, the key is to make math a positive, playful experience.

For more ideas and resources, check out my free preschool curriculum at Playing for Hours. It’s packed with activities like Ball Toss that make learning feel like playtime.

What’s your favorite way to teach math to your preschooler? I’d love to hear your ideas—share them in the comments or try out Ball Toss and let me know how it goes! Happy counting, and here’s to making math the bee’s knees for your little learner!

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