Let’s be honest for a second: trying to get a busy toddler or an energetic preschooler to sit down and “study” numbers can feel like trying to fold a fitted sheet—frustrating and nearly impossible.
I remember when I first started teaching my little one to count. I bought the flashcards, I bought the workbooks, and I set up a cute little desk area. I was ready. My child? Not so much. After about three minutes of me holding up a card and saying “This is a two,” they were under the table chasing the cat.
That was my “aha!” moment. I realized that for kids, play is the highest form of research. They don’t learn by drilling; they learn by doing, touching, and moving.
If you are a parent looking for ways to make math less of a chore and more of a game, you are in the right place. I’ve tested dozens of activities, and I’ve narrowed it down to these 5 fun learning games to teach numbers at home. These are simple, require almost no money, and most importantly, they work.
1. The “Number Scavenger Hunt”
This is hands-down the favorite in our house. It turns number recognition into a high-energy adventure, which is perfect for rainy days when you’re stuck inside.
How to Play: Grab some sticky notes or cut up pieces of paper. Write numbers (1-10 or 1-20, depending on your child’s age) on them. Now, go around the house and stick them on objects.
- Stick the “1” on a single toy car.
- Stick the “2” on a pair of shoes.
- Stick the “4” on the legs of a chair.
Tell your child, “I lost my numbers! Can you find the number 3?” When they find it, celebrate like they just won a gold medal.
Why It Works: It combines physical movement with visual learning. When a child has to physically search for the number, their brain makes a stronger connection than if they were just staring at a page.
2. The “Snack Time” Counting Challenge
Let’s face it: the way to a kid’s brain is often through their stomach. If your child resists traditional lessons, try “edible math.”
How to Play: During snack time, use small items like fish crackers, grapes, or cereal loops.
- The “More or Less” Game: Put a small pile of snacks in front of you and a bigger pile in front of them. Ask, “Who has more?” Then count them together to check.
- The “Eat the Number” Game: Write a number on a piece of paper (e.g., 5). Ask your child to count out exactly 5 crackers. Once they get it right, they get to eat them!
Why It Works: It takes the pressure off. It’s just a snack, right? But secretly, they are practicing one-to-one correspondence (the idea that one number equals one object), which is a crucial foundation for math.
3. Hopscotch Calculator
Do you remember playing Hopscotch as a kid? It’s a classic for a reason, but we’re going to give it a modern math twist. This is great for getting some fresh air and burning off energy.
How to Play: Draw a standard hopscotch grid on your driveway or sidewalk with chalk. Fill the squares with numbers.
- Level 1 (Beginner): Just call out a number, and your child has to jump to that specific square.
- Level 2 (Advanced): Instead of calling the number, ask a simple question. “What comes after 3?” or “What is 2 plus 1?” They have to jump to the answer.
Why It Works: This game engages “gross motor skills” (big body movements). Research shows that when we move our bodies while learning, the information sticks better. Plus, it builds balance and coordination alongside math skills.
4. Card War (The Gentle Version)
You don’t need fancy educational toys; a standard deck of playing cards ($1 at the dollar store) is one of the best math tools you can own.
How to Play: Remove the face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) so you are just left with numbers (Aces count as 1). Split the deck evenly between you and your child. At the same time, flip over your top card.
- “I have a 4.”
- “You have a 7!”
- Ask: “Which number is bigger?” The person with the bigger number gets to keep both cards. (If your child is sensitive about losing, you can just play “cooperatively” where you just high-five if you get a match).
Why It Works: This teaches number comparison. Recognizing that 7 is “bigger” than 4 is a complex concept that kids grasp quickly when they see the visual symbols on the cards.
5. Parking Lot Math
If you have a child who loves cars, trucks, or trains, stop what you are doing and set this up immediately.
How to Play: Take a large piece of cardboard or poster paper. Draw little “parking spaces” and number them 1 through 10. Take 10 toy cars and put a small sticker or piece of tape on top of each car with a corresponding number. The mission? The cars need to go home to their garage! Your child has to drive car #5 into parking spot #5.
Why It Works: It taps into their existing interests. You aren’t asking them to stop playing cars to do math; you are bringing the math into their car game. It feels like play, not work.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Light
The biggest lesson I learned from my own experience is that consistency beats intensity. You don’t need to do a one-hour math lesson. Five minutes of “Parking Lot Math” or a quick game of “Snack Time Counting” is far more effective.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to get them to count to 10. The goal is to make them feel confident and excited about numbers. So, put away the flashcards, get on the floor, and just have fun with it.
💬 Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from other parents!
- Which of these games do you think your child would enjoy the most?
- Do you have a special trick or song you use to teach counting?
- What is the hardest number for your child to remember? (For us, it was always 7!)
Drop a comment below and let’s share our best tips!
