Number Tracing for Preschool

Start with counting, not writing

For most three- and four-year-olds, the first number skills are saying the number words in order and counting objects one by one. Writing the numerals comes next. If your child can count three blocks and tell you there are three, they are ready to see what "3" looks like and to try tracing it.

Signs your child may be ready

There is no test, but these are good signs: your child holds a crayon with their fingers rather than in a fist, copies a straight line or a circle you have drawn, counts a few objects one at a time, and shows interest when you write numbers. If most of these are not there yet, keep playing counting games and come back to tracing in a few weeks.

Why this sheet stops at 5

Each row has five large numbers, from 1 to 5, so every digit is big enough to trace slowly with a thick crayon or pencil. A short, easy page also lets a young child finish with a feeling of success. We chose five numbers on purpose, because a long list of tiny digits is discouraging at this age.

How to use the worksheet

1. Count five objects together, then show your child the matching number on the sheet.
2. Let your child trace one number at a time with a finger first, then with a crayon.
3. Do not trace every row. One or two rows is a good session for a preschooler.
4. Praise the effort and the counting, not how neat the number is.

Other ways to practice numbers

Tracing numbers in a tray of sand or rice, building them from play-dough snakes, and drawing them in the air all help. Preschool children also enjoy matching games, such as picture matching, which build the same attention to detail.

When to move on

When your child can trace 1 to 5 smoothly, change the To box to 10, or try the one-per-line sheet for number tracing 1 to 10. Kindergarten children can go on to numbers 1 to 20 with number words.