Kindergarten often begins with teaching students to recognize numbers. Here are 10 effective ways to teach them to your students!
Number Books
Have students create their own number books. Creating a book of their own will give them ownership of something that they can “read” again and again to help them learn their numbers. Provide pages that include the numerals you are working on. Allow the students to create the set using bingo dabbers, stickers, or pictures. Click Here to download this free number book!
Number Bingo
Bingo is a classic, fun way to practice recognition of numbers. Students will enjoy playing this game, and they will learn their numbers quickly if you play it on a regular basis. Here is a free Number Bingo to print.
Squishy Mats
In a gallon baggie, squeeze in some hand sanitizer or hair gel. Add a few drops of food coloring, and seal the bag at the top with tape. Allow students to practice forming the numbers in the goo using their fingers or a cotton swab.
Writing in Sand
Sand is a great place to practice forming numbers. Students can practice formation without worrying on mistakes the way they do while practicing on paper or even dry-erase boards. It’s hands-on, tactile, and fun!
Play Doh Mats
Students love to play with play doh any chance they get. Teach your students how to make “snakes” with their play doh. They can form the numbers and make sets with balls of play doh to match. Grab these free play doh number mats here.
Clip Cards
Clip cards are a fun way to assess your students’ knowledge of numbers. Students love counting out the pictures and clipping the clothespin on the correct numeral. Bonus points for working those fine motor skills!
Anchor Charts
Create an anchor chart for each number. Include the numeral and also other ways the same number might appear. This will help students relate the quantity to the numeral and also see that there are many different ways to make a number. Show the number with pictures, tally marks, ten frames, and more. My Learning Our Numbers Pack includes large numerals and different ways to make each number, plus practice sheets to work on number formation and showing the number in different ways.
Hop to It
This is a game to get students up and moving! Write numerals on note cards and place them on the floor around your classroom. You can also use die-cut shapes (lily pads are fun!). When you say “Hop to it!” the students hop to a new number. They then share out the number they landed on.
Songs with Movement
Sing songs that get students using their whole bodies to create the numbers. The Numeral Song by Dr. Jean and I Can Write my Numbers by Harry Kindergarten teach number formation. Students can listen to the song and practice writing the numbers in the air using big movements with their whole arm.
Count it Out
Write the numbers you are learning on note cards or on cups. Have the students count out manipulatives to match each numeral.
The key to teaching numbers is to keep it hands-on, engaging, and relevant to your students. They will learn those numbers in no time!
Love the small numbers that you used on the carpet. Is there a way to purchase them? Thank you for your great ideas and sharing!
I love this!!