Recognizing numbers up to 3: A lesson plan for pre-k and kindergarten

To prepare for the lesson, introduce the game "Show Me" to kids. While they play this game, say a number from 1 to 3 and let them show that number using their fingers. For example, if you say "2", your children will hold up two fingers. If you say "3", they will hold up three fingers.

Please encourage these little learners to be fast and accurate. They can also use the other hand to check their answer.

Now that your kids are warmed up, they can watch a video from mathskills4kids.com that will teach them how to identify numbers up to 3.

The video will show them the names and symbols of the numbers 1, 2, and 3 and how to count and compare them using words like more, less, and same.

Please encourage your kids to pay attention to the video and try to repeat after the narrator. You can also pause the video for them to practice writing the symbols for the numbers on their worksheet.

Video link: https://youtu.be/IPtEQ7KinOQ

After watching the video, kids will practice number recognition up to 3 with some games. They will need a worksheet, pencil or crayon, small objects, a paper plate, or a tray.

 

Game 1: Number tracing

Your little learners will see the symbols for the numbers 1, 2, and 3 on their worksheet. They can use their pencil or crayon to trace over them. Tell them to make these numbers neat and clear. They can also say the name of each number as they trace it.

 

Game 2: Number matching

On the worksheet, kids will also see some pictures of objects with different numbers of items. For example, they might see one circle, two squares, or three triangles.

Next to each picture, there is an empty box. They will use their pencil or crayon to write the symbol for the number that matches each picture. For example, if they see one circle, write "1" in the box next to it.

 

Game 3: Number counting

Kids will use small objects and paper plates or trays for this game. They can put some objects on the plate or tray and then count how many objects there are. Next, let them write the symbol for that number on a paper or their worksheet. For example, a child with three buttons on the plate or tray will write "3" on his paper or worksheet. Let them also say the name of each number as they count.

 

Game 4: Number comparing (optional)

Kids will need a dice or another way to generate random numbers from 1 to 3 for this game. They will also need a partner. The partners will each roll the dice or generate a random number. Then, they’ll compare their numbers using words like more, less, and same. For example, if a child rolls a 2 and the partner rolls a 3, the child can say, "Your number is more than mine" or "My number is less than yours." If they roll the same number, they can say, "Our numbers are the same."

After playing the games, the children will share their work with their classmates. They can show their worksheet, paper plate, or tray. They can also discuss what they’ve learned about Recognizing numbers up to 3. You can also ask them questions like:

• How did you trace the symbols for the numbers?
• How did you match the pictures with the numbers?
• How did you count the objects on your plate or tray?
• How did you compare your numbers with your partner?

Listen to what the children have to say and give them feedback. They can also learn from other classmate’s work and ideas.

To wrap up the lesson, review what you have taught about recognizing numbers up to 3. Also, ask kids questions like:

• What are the names and symbols of the numbers 1, 2, and 3?
• How do you count objects up to 3?
• How do you compare sets of objects up to 3 using words like more, less, and same?

Let them try to answer the questions using complete sentences. They can also ask you any questions they have about the lesson.