About this game

Recognize a written number

Recognize a written number: a free Pre-K math game for ages 4-5. Each round draws 5 questions; instructions are read aloud and every answer is checked and explained.

How it plays and why it helps

A child who knows the shape of 5 may still not know it means five things. Recognize a written number checks that link. A large numeral appears, from 1 to 10, and the instruction is read aloud: find the number you see written and choose the card with that many dots. The four cards show dots arranged like the spots on a die. Your Pre-K child taps one, five numerals make a round, and every answer is checked and explained by naming the number.

Symbol first, amount second. This is the reverse of counting: the symbol comes first and the amount has to be found. Die patterns help, because many children already know them from board games. The hint gives the order of work: say the name of the written number, then count the dots on each card.

On the card for 5, the 6 card is offered too. Both are compact blocks of dots, but the 5 has one dot in the middle and the 6 has two columns of three. Ask, "Is there a dot in the middle?" Then praise the detail: "You spotted the middle dot."

Aligned with

  • P-MATH 1 Child knows number names and the count sequence.
  • P-MATH 5 Child associates a quantity with written numerals up to 5 and begins to write numbers.
  • P-MATH 2 Child recognizes the number of objects in a small set.

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