Missing Numbers Activity for 1-19

One of my favorite sayings about math is “number sense can’t be taught, but it can be caught.” I learned this in a number sense course I took and it stuck with me. The best way for kids to develop number sense and grow as a learner is through lots of practice. You can’t teach number sense, but you can develop it.

One skill I’ve been working on with my kindergarten is determining missing numbers. Kids need to learn what comes before and after starting at any number…not just starting at 1. This activity I’m sharing today will help students develop and practice this skill.

For some children, this skill is easy to master. Maybe your child knows how to count really well, but they need more practice with numbers when they aren’t starting at 1. You can start with visuals to teach counting sequences. It can be hard for children to understand numbers without seeing visuals. use something concrete, such as pennies, to practice counting. Instead of starting with one penny, start with four. Have your child tell you what number comes next when you add one more penny.

Once you feel like your child is ready to practice what numbers come before and after a number, you can try this activity! this activity can be used as a printable or a digital resource. If you choose to use it as a digital activity, you can access it on Google Slides™ or Seesaw.