Make a bingo board with the numbers "1" through "10" on it. Print enough copies for each student to have one. Call out an addition problem (1+1= 2) but only go as high as the numbers on the board. If the students know the answer to the problem and it is on their board, have them color in that square. The first person to color in all their squares calls "Bingo" and wins the game.
Learning to count with modeling clay is a tactile and hands on approach to learning. Start by breaking the students into three groups. Give each group a different color of modeling clay. Print out an addition and equal sign and set them on a table in front of the class. Call out a number. Have the first group put that many balls of clay onto the table before the addition sign. Call out another number and have the second group add that number of clay balls after the addition sign. Using the clay balls, the final group will calculate the answer by adding the total from the first and second group and placing the appropriate number of clay balls on the table.
Cut a circle into a piece of cardboard large enough for a bean bag to fit through. Have the students line up to toss the bean bags into the hole. When you say "toss," the student will toss the beanbag into the hole and say the number his beanbag is. For example, the first person in line will call out the number "1." Any student who doesn't know his number or messes up a number sequence has to go sit back down. The person left standing at the end of the game is declared the winner. This game aids in the development of gross motor and listening skills. In addition, it is an activity that teaches addition to all three types of learners: tactile, auditory and visual. It also teaches number sequence because the students are counting as they go.
Flashcards are a beneficial teaching tool because they teach number recognition. The information provided is repetitive by nature and aids in memorization. Students can make a game out of flashcards by quizzing and timing each other. A game of ball can also be added to the mix by allowing any student who gets the answer right to shoot a basketball into a hoop to earn points. If the student makes the basket, he gets five points. If he doesn't make the basket, he gets no points. The students with the most points at the end of the game is the winner. This activity gets preschoolers out of their seats, allows them to move around and provides hands-on learning.
Divide the students into teams of four or five. Each group will be given a bucket of odds and ends such as large buttons, colored pasta, blocks or erasers. Each group will get the same amount of items. They will then be asked to sort and group the objects, for example, placing blocks with blocks and buttons with buttons. After grouping the items, the students will count how many there are of each item. The first team to finish with correct count wins. This game aids students in classifying objects and teaches addition.