Number Dots Activities for Preschool Math

Number dots are a fun way for preschoolers to practice many skills while learning to identify numbers. Math is a crucial learning skill for young learners, so these activities are an engaging way for students to play and learn. Number dots are also versatile and easy for the teacher to set up!

So Many Skills!

Working with the number of dots pages is, of course, a math-focused center. However, students working with these materials practice all sorts of preschool skills. Picking up and placing the small materials into the circles is practicing one-to-one correspondence. However, it is also a fine motor building activity as students have to use the small muscles in their hands to select and grasp each piece and place it precisely in the circle. Older students gain additional skills by adding tweezers or small tongs to pick up the small pieces, which work on their grasp for writing.

As students place the pieces in the circles, they talk about and identify the numbers they are working on. If they are in a small group, there is a great chance that the preschoolers are also building their communication skills as they talk with their peers about what they are doing.

Number Dots at the Light Table

One way to introduce the number dots activity is at the light table. First, print the sheets on thin copy paper or transparency paper. Next, set up a small dish in the center of the light table. Inexpensive condiment trays (from the dollar store) are great since they have dividers to hold different colors. Fill the dish with translucent pony beads, table scatter, vase-filling gems, or other translucent counters. Students use their fine motor skills to fill in the circles next to each number. Challenge advanced students to make a pattern using different colors.

Number Dots at the Math Center

Number dots pages are also perfect for small group or independent learning at the math center. Because the paper is self-correcting, students check their work as they go. At the beginning of the school year, start out with smaller numbers, such as one through five. As the students gain competency, add higher numbers, eventually moving to double digits.

The number dots pages are easy to customize for any theme simply by changing the materials! Here are some ideas:

• Little pom-poms in various themed colors (autumn colors, patriotic, etc.)
• mini erasers for any theme
• sea shells
• tiny pine cones
• buttons
• acrylic hearts
• coins
• acorns

Number Dots to Take Home

Parents want to see their children’s progress. Use bingo daubers for the activity, and students can take home the printed sheet with their work! If parents want to practice at home, it’s also very easy to print out extra copies for the whole family to enjoy together.