Number Play: DIY Number Game for Toddlers and Preschoolers

One of the most popular Kneebouncer games is Numbrrrs; something about those little penguins diving off the iceberg makes preschoolers squeal! Number play is a fantastic way to introduce numerical concepts to your toddler or preschooler. So, we’ve taken this popular game and created ways to play number play at home!

Numbrrrs introduces numerals 1-20 to your little one. This fun and interactive number-play game is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers because all it takes is tapping any key on the keyboard.

The game introduces numerals, counts along with your child teaching one-to-one correspondence, and helps your toddler associate quantity with a written numeral.

DIY Game

Blogger Megan Sheakoski from Coffee Cups and Crayons created an iceberg math felt board activity inspired by Numbrrrs. So now your child can play with numbers and penguins online and off! Visit Megan’s site for a FREE printable with step-by-step directions on how to create your own board.

More Number Play

Other ways to engage in number play are counting toys, naming the number of things you see, pointing out written numerals when you see them on signs or buildings, and reading number concept books.

Blocks, cars, animals, markers, dolls, or any other toy your child has can become a lesson in numbers and quantity! Make piles of various amounts and ask your child which one has more or less. Their little brains will begin to work process estimation and less and more. Add a scale to the play to introduce the concepts of heavy and light.

Practice one-to-one correspondence by touching or picking up each item as you count it. This physical and visual connection combines the senses and makes learning more concrete. Don’t worry if your toddler or preschooler skips a number here and there; skipping numbers is typical when learning to count!

The average three-year-old can count from 1-5 or 1-10, and the typical four-year-old will begin counting from 1-20. Your child may recognize more numerals than they can count, or they may be able to count but struggle with identifying written numerals. Therefore, it’s a good idea to mix up the math exposure and have them interact with numbers in different ways!

If you’re looking for some great books that teach numerical concepts. Check out these classics:

Updated July 27, 2023, by L. Elizabeth Forry

written by

L. Elizabeth Forry 

L. Elizabeth Forry is an Early Childhood Educator with fifteen years of classroom teaching experience. She earned a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from The University of North Dakota and has a Bachelor of Arts in English and one in Music from Lebanon Valley College. She has taught children in Japan, Washington D.C., Chicago, and suburban Maryland. She is trained as a reading therapist, has a TEFL certification, and has done extensive work with children regarding mental health, social-emotional development, gender development. She has written curriculum for children and educators and has led training sessions for parents and educators on various topics on early childhood development. She is the mother of two boys and resides outside of Annapolis, Maryland.

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