Number recognition is a blast outside with Squirt the Numbers. You know how it goes: Water + more water = instant hit. Squirt the numbers is where it’s at. Let’s use what we know here and find a way for our preschoolers to learn through play by adding some numbers. It makes the perfect summer activity for preschoolers.
Related: Learning activities are our jam. Here is a list of my favorite kid activities at home.
How to teach a child numbers
Teaching your child numbers starts with play every single time.
My goal is for my preschoolers to begin recognizing numbers and number names.
Fancy terms, we call this guided play. In guided play, I have a skill that I want my preschoolers to explore, and so I set up an intentional play prompt for them to dive in.
I put together this complete list of math activities for kids to offer you free ideas to teach your toddler and preschooler math.
What will your kids DO this summer?
Take the guesswork out of your days with the Summertime Bundle.
- Startup Guide creates your summer routine.
- Activity cards have easy activities.
- The PDF calendar puts your plan in place.
Number recognition vs. counting
Number recognition is recognizing a number name or symbol. For example, a child sees the number 6 and recognizes it as a six.
Counting is understanding that six objects make up a group of six. Children can practice counting using one-to-one correspondence, meaning they touch each object as they count.
In this math activity, I ask my preschooler to call out the number he hits with his water squirter.
Here is what I noticed him saying as he played:
I’ve got the four!
I just hit the seven!
What number is this, mom? I just squirted this one here…
Having number recognition activities available to your preschoolers will encourage them to be exposed to how a number looks more often than not.
We do a lot of guided play with our Breakfast Invitations, and this Startup Guide will give you all the details on how to do the same!
RELATED: Here are my favorite 27 counting activities for preschoolers.
The big idea of play-based learning
Preschoolers who learn through play are willing to take more risks.
Putting numbers on a worksheet for a child to recall can be pretty intimidating! Add some elements of play, and their guard comes down.
Now, they welcome you to share more about what you can continue to do to help him/her better understand.
Eventually, your preschooler will not only recognize the number name but will also subitize. (which is a fancy name for identifying a group of objects without counting.) This video is a great resource.
RELATED: Have a toddler? Here is a fun math activity for toddlers.
This number recognition game is also helping with fine motor strength.
This is a huge help when it comes to writing and cutting. There are many stages of pencil grip, and squeezing the bottles will help move your preschooler along.
Supplies
Days with Grey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
- Squirt bottles
- Plastic number cookies
- Washable paint
- Plastic bucket
RELATED: Squirt bottles are a great way to build fine motor strength! Check out these 50+ fine motor skills activities.
Let’s get set up
- Fill your bin with water and add the floating cookies.
- Next, add a couple of drops of paint and water to your squeeze bottles.
- Invite your toddler or preschooler to come to squirt the numbers.
This is how you begin to introduce numbers through play! Setting up intentional, guided math play at home helps your child better understand important concepts.
When will you make this number recognition game?
Frequently asked questions
Start with simple sorting activities when your child is in preschool. Spend time counting the objects in each group and discussing which group has more or less. Then, use a ten frame to help better explain what a group of ten looks like. This will help build a solid foundation for higher-level counting and math skills.
Food coloring in water bottles does not stain because it is so diluted.
Reinforce what numbers your child can recognize when you have that many objects. For example, if they recognize the number symbol 5, practice counting and touching each object to count to five. This is a fun way to develop number sense.