Help your students with number recognition by posting printed numbers around the classroom. Create a bulletin board that includes the number of students enrolled in the class. Each day, take attendance and write down the number of students who are present each day on the board. In the toy center, write the number of items in each center or container; for example, post the number of books on the bookshelf or how many blocks go in each container. Post numbers one through 10 on a wall in the classroom and provide toys and blocks featuring numbers in the play area.
Help your preschool students learn to count to 10. Provide students with different items to count. For example, fill small baskets with different numbers of marbles and ask students to count how many marbles each basket holds. Encourage students to build a block tower and help them count the number of blocks they use. At snack time, ask each student to choose five crackers and help them count to five.
Help students make number flashcards to learn numbers and counting. Give each student 10 plain index cards and stickers, along with markers and crayons. On each card, help students write the numbers one through 10 then have them flip the cards over and attach the corresponding number of stickers. For example, the card with the number five printed on one side should have five stickers attached to the back. To play with the cards, begin with number recognition then move on to counting. Test students by shuffling the cards and asking them to put the cards in the correct order.
Encourage students to begin writing numbers. In the writing center, provide students with plenty of paper and writing implements. Display printed numbers and encourage students to copy them. Create simple counting worksheets that require students to count items and write the corresponding number. Write numbers lightly in pencil then ask students to trace over your writing. Do not expect perfection as preschoolers are still learning how to hold writing utensils correctly.