Are you a momma wanting to teach your little one the skill of number recognition? Then, you’ve landed in the right place. I’m Brittany, an early-learning educator, parent resource, and your go-to-girl for all things early learning. My passion is to help make your life easier by providing tips, tricks, and ideas for creating meaningful learning moments for your young learner. If you are interested in resources to help support your early learner, make sure to check out our Monthly Skills Builders Newsletter…where you can get free ideas, resources, and learning activities sent straight to your inbox, making teaching your young child easy for you, and even more fun for them. It’s a win all around 🙂

Where to Begin When You Teach Numbers

First things first, you need to know that counting is the foundation of number recognition. Your child must master counting before worrying about being able to identify numbers. It’s essential to start with counting concrete objects before moving on to counting pictures on paper or representing a quantity with numbers. Beginning is easy! Start by incorporating counting into everyday activities. Whether it’s counting the number of goldfish (my favorite 🙂 ) at snack time or the number of steps as you climb the stairs, these simple interactions help your child to understand that the last number said represents the amount of objects.

As your child becomes comfortable with counting concrete objects, introduce pictorial representations of numbers. You can use pictures in a book, pictures drawn on paper, or the number of people in a photograph. Your child will gradually become more comfortable counting items they cannot move or hold. 

After mastering counting pictorial representations, you are ready to move on to… How to Teach Number Recognition. Once they can count both concrete objects and pictorial representations, start to pair numbers with corresponding images or objects. Doing so reinforces their understanding of quantity and numerical symbols. 

Gradually, transition to representing numbers themselves. Reinforce numeral recognition by pointing out numbers in their environment, such as on clocks or license plates. Encourage your child to identify and name each number they see. Make it a game by asking them to find specific numbers or count how many times they spot a particular number while in the car or on a walk around the store!

By progressing from concrete to abstract representations, you’re laying a solid foundation for your child’s recognition skills. Remember, patience and repetition are key. 

Start by focusing on numbers 1-5, then 1-10, and gradually introduce higher numbers as your little learner becomes more proficient.

A Note on Multi-sensory Learning

Multi-sensory learning is key to mastery. And it is a sure way to get your child engaged and learning! Experts believe children of all skill levels learn better while using multiple senses. According to research, brain science studies have shown there is a larger amount of activity in the brain’s information processing areas following multisensory input than there is following single-sense input. 

Here are some ways to incorporate multisensory learning when teaching number recognition:

• Trace the shape of each number with their finger while saying the number aloud
• Write the number on a whiteboard while saying the number aloud
• Trace the number in a tray of sand, rice, or even shaving cream while saying the number aloud.
• Build numbers with play dough! 

Learning through play (multisensory learning) is the best kind of learning you can offer your little one!

How to Make Number Recognition Practice Simple 

Making number recognition practice simple is all about integrating learning into your daily routine and keeping activities engaging, yet straightforward, for your child. Here are some easy-to-implement strategies:

• Daily Counting Rituals: Set aside a few minutes each day for counting practice. Whether it’s counting the number of crackers they eat or the items on your grocery list, these simple routines help reinforce number recognition skills.

• Utilize Everyday Objects: Make use of items readily available in your home to practice number recognition. Use coins, buttons, or toys to create hands-on learning experiences. Encourage your child to count and identify the numbers associated with each object.

• Visual Aids: Incorporate visual aids like number charts, posters, or flashcards into your child’s learning environment. Hang them on the wall or place them in prominent areas where your child can easily see and interact with them.

• Technology as a Tool: Explore educational apps and online resources that focus on number recognition. Many apps offer interactive games and activities that make learning numbers fun and engaging for young children.

• Make it a Game: Turn number recognition practice into a game by incorporating elements of play. Play “I Spy” with numbers while out on a walk or create scavenger hunts where your child has to find and identify numbers hidden around the house (more on this below 😉).

By incorporating these simple strategies into your daily routine, you can learn how to teach number recognition in a way that is effortless and enjoyable for both you and your child.

Number Recognition Games

Games are another sure-fire way to make learning fun and interactive. Here are some exciting number recognition games to try with your child:

• Number Bingo: Create bingo cards with numbers randomly arranged. Call out numbers, and have your child mark the corresponding numbers on their card. The first one to complete a row or column shouts “Bingo!”

• Number Memory Match: Create a set of number cards with pairs of matching numbers. Place them face down on the table and take turns flipping two cards at a time. Encourage your child to find matching pairs of numbers.

• Hopscotch Math: Draw a hopscotch grid on the ground and write numbers in each square. Call out a number, and your child has to hop to the corresponding square while saying the number aloud.

• Number Hunt: Hide number cards or objects with numbers written on them around the house or yard. Give your child a list of numbers to find, and let them go on a number hunt.

• Here are some other fantastic ideas!

These games not only reinforce number recognition skills but also promote critical thinking, memory, and social interaction.

Number Recognition Activities

Get creative with hands-on activities that make learning numbers exciting and memorable. Here are some engaging number recognition activities to try! Use these on a day you want to switch things up…

• Number Line Dance: Create a number line on the floor using masking tape or chalk. Call out numbers, and have your child jump to the corresponding number on the line while saying it aloud.

• Counting Sensory Bin: Fill a sensory bin with materials like rice, beans, or foam shapes. Hide numbered objects or cards within the bin and have your child search for them while counting aloud.

• Number Art Collage: Provide your child with magazines, newspapers, or old calendars. Have them cut out numbers and create a collage or poster displaying the numbers they find.

• Outdoor Number Scavenger Hunt: Take learning outdoors with a number scavenger hunt. Create a list of numbers for your child to find in their surroundings, such as on street signs, license plates, or house numbers.

These activities not only reinforce number recognition skills but also foster creativity, fine motor skills, and sensory exploration. If you have a child who loves to be active, check out these activity recommendations!

Some Encouragement… 

Remember, friend, learning how to teach number recognition does not have to be complicated. And I am here to help you along the way! For all things early learning, you can follow me @miss.bees.knees on instagram, facebook, and my website. Shoot me a DM to let me know how any of these activities go. And don’t forget! I send monthly skill-building newsletters out to all my subscribers. Sign up for next month’s today, and get spring and summer-inspired (FREE) activities sent right to your inbox.