Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Learning · The activity desk
Trace and count numbers
Trace a number and count matching circles from zero to twenty.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
The number tracing and counting pages or a full sheet of paper, plus a large child-appropriate crayon
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Open and print a chosen number page, or draw a large number and a matching group of circles on paper.
Adult's role: Help choose a number and read the prompts. Count at the child's pace and accept their own marks.
Let's make it happen
- Choose a number page and trace its outline with a finger or crayon.
- Point to each circle once while counting. On the zero page, notice there are no circles.
- Color the circles and draw something in the space below, if you like.
Make it simpler: Point to one circle together, or notice that the zero page has none.
Clean up: Put the crayon away and save or recycle the page.
Stay nearby while young children use crayons and remove broken pieces.