Turkey Color by Number Free Printable for Preschool (Plus a Color by Sum Page)
There’s nothing sweeter than watching a preschooler proudly show off something they’ve completed all on their own! This turkey color by number free printable is more than just a cute coloring page. Page one gives kids number recognition practice with numbers 1–8, page two adds a color by sum challenge, and I’m sharing a few simple ways to make the most of both in your classroom!
Why a Turkey Color by Number Works for Preschoolers
A turkey color by number is a coloring page where children match each numbered section of a turkey to a color on a key. This free printable uses numbers 1–8 on page one to build number recognition and fine motor skills, and page two adds a color by sum challenge with addition and subtraction within 10.
Color by number activities give preschoolers a fun, hands-on way to practice number recognition by matching numbers to colors. There’s something so exciting about watching a picture come to life, one little section at a time!
I love that children get to practice the same numbers over and over while working toward something they can proudly call their own. Plus, they’re easy to sneak into your day, whether it’s morning work, a math center, small-group time, or a quiet activity when everyone needs a little rest.
Skills Preschoolers Build with Color by Number
There’s a lot of learning in one little turkey! As children search for numbers 1–8, they’re practicing number recognition, matching colors, and getting familiar with color words. Following the color key also encourages them to slow down, look closely at similar numbers like 6 and 8, and follow directions.
While they’re busy coloring, those little hands are strengthening their pencil grasp and fine motor control. My favorite part? Watching their concentration grow as they work through each section, then seeing them proudly hold up their turkey when they’re finished!
Download Your Free Turkey Color by Number Printable
This adorable turkey printable comes with two fun ways to practice math. Page one is a classic color by number activity using numbers 1–8 and a matching color key. Page two adds a little challenge with color by sum, where children solve simple math problems to find their colors.
Both pages are ready to print, so grab some crayons and let the turkey coloring begin!
What you’ll need:
- The turkey color by number printable (page one, page two, or both)
- Crayons in the colors shown on the color key
- Optional for page two: counters, ten frames, or a number line
How to Use the Turkey Color by Number with Preschoolers
Print out page one and gather the crayons that match the color key. If you don’t have all fluent readers yet, no need to stress. Just add a colored dot beside each color word so your preschoolers can follow along without needing to read!
Before everyone gets started, find the first number together. “Who can find the number 1? What color should we use?” Show them how to color one section, try another together, and then let them take the lead! You can do this as a discussion during circle time or morning meeting, so they can go off and work independently afterward if they’re ready.
I like to encourage children to work on one number at a time, finding all the matching sections before switching colors. It’s a simple way to keep things organized, and it works perfectly for morning work, small groups, or as one of your math center ideas this month. It’s all about collaboration and concentration!
Next Step: Using Page Two (Color by Sum)
Have a few children ready for an extra challenge? Page two introduces color by sum, where children solve addition and subtraction problems within 10 and use their answers to find the matching colors!
This is a fun next step for older pre-K and kindergarten-ready students who already recognize numbers 1–8 and are beginning to add and subtract. It’s also great practice for kindergarteners and first graders!
Keep some counters, ten frames, or a number line nearby for a little hands-on help. Sometimes being able to see and move the numbers around makes all the difference!
When Students Are Having a Hard Time
Some younger children might need an extra helping hand, and that’s okay! Try highlighting one number at a time, covering part of the page, or adding colored dots to the key to make things easier to follow. A number line can be helpful too, especially when tricky numbers like 6 and 8 or 2 and 5 start looking alike!
And if those little hands are getting tired, take a brain break and come back later. Even a half-colored turkey is worth celebrating when a child has worked hard and learned something new!
Extension Ideas for Your Turkey Color by Number
Go on a Number Hunt
Turn it into a little movement activity by going on a number hunt around the classroom! Choose a number from the turkey’s color key and challenge your students to find it on calendars, number charts, or classroom labels. You can even hide number cards around the room for an extra bit of fun! Once they’ve found their number, have them head back to their turkey and color in the matching sections.
Try Q-Tip Painting
For a fun fine motor twist, swap the crayons for Q-tips and washable paint! Set out small amounts of paint that match the turkey’s color key and let your students use their Q-tips to fill in each numbered section with little dots. It’s a fun way to practice number recognition while giving those tiny hand muscles an extra workout!
Let Your Little Artists Be the Teachers
Give your students a simple picture with a few large sections and let them create their very own color by number activity! Help them assign a number and color to each section, then make a matching color key. Once they’re finished, have them trade pictures with a friend and see if they can follow each other’s directions. They’ll love being the ones in charge!
Bring Color by Number Into Your Literacy Centers
Who says color by number has to be all about math? Try switching things up with a color by letter or beginning sound activity! Create a simple picture with letters instead of numbers and assign each letter a color. For an extra challenge, use pictures of familiar objects and have students identify the beginning sound to figure out which color to use. If your class needs more beginning sound practice first, these alphabet wheels for beginning sounds make a great warm-up.
So many fun ways to keep those little minds learning and growing!
More Turkey Fun for Your Classroom
I can’t wait for you to try this with your little learners! Between all the number practice, colorful feathers, and proud little smiles, there’s so much to love about this activity. If your class wants more turkey learning this November, pair it with this counting turkey activity for preschoolers or these disguise the turkey coloring pages.
And if you’re looking for more fun, ready-to-use activities, come explore the Teaching Mama Printables Club! There’s plenty more learning (and fun!) waiting for you and your students. Let us know in the comments how your class’s turkeys turned out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Page one works well for preschoolers ages 3–5 who are learning to recognize numbers 1–8. For younger 3-year-olds, start with just a few numbers and add more as they become more confident. Page two, the color by sum, is a better fit for older pre-K students, kindergarteners, and first graders who are starting to add and subtract within 10.
Yes! The same tips work at the kitchen table: add colored dots to the key for non-readers, find the first number together, and color one number at a time. It also makes an easy, screen-free activity for the week of Thanksgiving when kids are home from school.
It varies a lot by age and fine motor stamina. Some children finish in one sitting, while others do better splitting it into two or three shorter sessions. Keeping the page in a folder so they can come back to it the next day takes the pressure off.
Crayons are a great default because they give little hands more control and won’t bleed through the paper. Markers fill in big sections quickly but can bleed or tear thin printer paper. Colored pencils work well for older kids who are ready for more precise coloring on page two.
