Learning numbers requires a lot of memorization, and kindergarten kids have many new lessons to learn during a single school year. While in the process of learning numbers, they’re also learning to recall shapes, letters, and words, and parents and caregivers can help kindergarten kids learn numbers by playing fun number games. The following games are enjoyable, and they help kindergarten kids learn numbers while providing time-consuming educational activities. Give these fun number games a try!
Make Penny Pitch Games
To make penny pitch games you’ll need graph paper, a fine-tip marker, a ruler, and a penny. Optionally the graph paper can be taped to cardstock to make the game boards stronger. If you don’t want to invest in graph paper, search for free printable graph paper online, and print it directly onto cardstock. It can also be laminated for extra strength and durability if desired. Once piece of graph paper is required for each game.
Since graph paper squares are very small, make larger squares on the graph paper games with a ruler and a fine-tip marker. Four to six graph paper squares traced around the edges are large enough for the numbered squares. Once the paper is filled with outlined squares, print numbers on the squares with the marker. Add numbers up to 100, or just print the numbers the kindergarten kids are currently working on learning.
Once the games are ready to play, kids can take turns pitching a penny onto the game boards. When the penny lands, the person who pitched the penny must announce the number it landed upon. If they get the answer wrong, the other player or players can raise their hand for a chance to announce the correct answer. This number game for kindergarten kids doesn’t have winners or losers. It’s just a fun and easy way to learn numbers. Everyone is a winner in the penny pitch game, and dozens of games can be printed for the cost of copier ink and paper.
Color the Numbers
The same graph paper sheets used to play the penny pitch game can be turned into other number games for kindergarten kids. Have kids color specific numbers with specific colors of crayons. The numbers can be changed to create a variety of games and worksheets to challenge kindergarten kids as they learn. This is a fun way to learn numbers, and it’s also very effective. The colored numbers can also form a larger shape, design, or number when the worksheet is completed.
Item Counting
Provide kindergarten kids with numbered graph sheets like the kind used to play the penny pitch game. In addition, provide them with small items to count such as pony beads, colored buttons, or uncooked pasta. Kids should be instructed to count out specific sets of the items you choose, and the items are to be placed on the squares. Counting out buttons, beads, or pieces of macaroni and placing them directly on the graph will show the kids what the numbers look like that equals the amounts of the items they’ve counted. This can easily be turned into fun number games for one kindergarten child or an entire group of kids.
