Matching games help children learn to tell the differences between written numbers. Make two sets of identical cards with the numbers one to 20. Spread out all 40 cards facedown in front of children. Let each child take a turn to flip over two cards. If they match, he gets to keep the pair and take another turn. If they don't match, he must turn them back over and let the next child go. No matter what cards children turn over, ask them to name the numbers on the cards they chose.
Games played with coins teach children about numbers, addition and money. Use real coins or cut pretend coins out of thick paper. First ask children to count how many coins are there. Explain how much each coin is worth, then ask children to add up the values of multiple coins. For instance, give the child three pennies and a nickel and ask him to count how much he has. Most preschoolers won't have much understanding of addition, so you'll need to help them.
A deck of cards is a cheap and easy tool to help you teach children about numbers. Break up children into groups and give each group a deck of cards. Ask them to first sort all the cards by numbers, color or suits. Have them mix up the cards, then ask them to find all the cards whose numbers have straight lines or circles in them. To make these games seem more exciting, ask children to see how fast they can finish. Don't time them, because that can lead to fights and hurt feelings. The idea of a race is to inspire preschoolers to work hard.
Help children learn the correct order of numbers with this guessing game. Find a pad of small sticky notes. Draw a grid on a piece of paper. Each space should be just big enough to fit one sticky note. Write the numbers in order on the grid, with one number in each space. Cover the spaces with sticky notes. Gather children around. Remove one note at a time. When children see the number, ask them to guess what numbers are being covered by the notes on each side of that number. For instance, when you uncover the number six, children should guess that there's a five on one side and a seven on the other. Replace the sticky note and repeat with another space.