How to teach colours and numbers through play, not worksheets

Young children learn best when they are moving, touching things and having fun. You do not need a worksheet to teach colours and numbers. Here are practical ways to do it at home.

Colours

• Colour hunt. "Find three green things in the kitchen." Try our free colour scavenger hunt.
• Sorting. Sort buttons, blocks or fruits by colour.
• Colour of the day. Everyone points out things of that colour on the way to school.
• Mixing. Mix two colours of paint or food colour in water and see what happens.

Numbers

• Count everything. Stairs, spoons, steps.
• Dice games. Roll and count the dots, then move a counter that many steps.
• Number bingo. Use our free number bingo.
• Shop play. Pretend shopping with real coins and price tags.

Board games

Games with a track or numbered dice give children a reason to count, and a friendly reason to take turns. A game of 15 to 20 minutes is plenty at this age.

Tips for parents

1. Keep it short: five to ten minutes at a time.
2. Follow your child's interest. If they love cars, count cars.
3. Praise effort, not just the right answer.
4. Do not worry if they mix up colours at 3. It takes time.

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