• English
    • English Pre-K
      • Unit 1: Early Literacy Skills
        • ABCs
          • Pre-writing Activities
          • Letter A
          • Letter B
          • Letter C
          • Letter D
          • Letter E
          • Letter F
          • Letter G
          • Letter H
          • Letter I
          • Letter J
          • Letter K
          • Letter L
          • Letter M
          • Letter N
          • Letter O
          • Letter P
          • Letter Q
          • Letter R
          • Letter S
          • Letter T
          • Letter U
          • Letter V
          • Letter W
          • Letter X
          • Letter Y
          • Letter Z
        • Phonological Awareness
          • Rhyming Words
          • Letter Sounds B, C, D, and F
          • Letter Sounds G, H, J, and K
          • Letter Sounds L, M, N, and P
          • Letter Sounds Q, R, S, and T
          • Letter Sounds V, W, X, Y, and Z
          • Letter Sounds A, E, and I
          • Letter Sounds O and U
          • Beginning Sounds
          • Matching Letters to Sounds
      • Unit 2: Vocabulary
        • Common Words
          • Sorting Words into Categories
          • Color Words
          • Verbs and Adjectives
        • Sight Words
          • Sight Words 'I' and 'Can'
          • Sight Words 'You' and 'Like'
      • Unit 3: Print Awareness
        • Parts of a Book
          • Working with a Book
          • Spaces Between Words
          • Text and Illustrations
        • Picture Books and Poems
          • Picture Book Text Features
          • Poem Text Features
        • Signs and Labels in the Community
      • Unit 4: Reading Literature
        • Questions About Stories
        • Discussing Stories
      • Unit 5: Reading Informational Texts
        • Retelling Details in a Text
        • Questions About a Text
        • Connections Between Events
        • Text Features
        • Describing Illustrations
  • Math
    • Math for Pre-Kindergarten
      • Logic and Geometry
        • Matching and Sorting
          • Same and Different
          • Which One Is a Little Different?
          • Objects That Go Together
          • Sorting by Color and Size
          • Sorting The Same Group in Different Ways
          • Patterns
        • Shapes
          • Shapes in Our Environment
          • Naming Shapes Regardless of Size
          • Making Shapes in Preschool
          • Comparing Shapes
          • Relative Positions
          • Sorting Shapes
      • Early Number Sense
        • Numbers 1–5
          • Counting to 3
          • Counting to 5
          • Arranging Objects up to 3 Objects
          • Arranging up to 5 Objects
          • Writing Numbers 1–5
      • Numbers up to 10
        • Counting to 10
        • Arranging up to 10 Objects
        • Number 0
        • Writing Numbers 6–10
        • Breaking Down Numbers 6-10

Writing Numbers 1–5

Learning to write numbers is an important milestone in any child’s development. It helps children become familiar with numbers and can help them with basic math skills as they grow older. Teaching children to write numbers from 1 to 5 can be a challenging process, but there are several strategies parents and educators can use to help children learn this important skill.

Before kids can write numbers 1 to 5, they need to understand the basic concepts of numbers. Start by introducing them to each number, showing them the written form and corresponding number of objects. You can use everyday objects like blocks, toys, or food to demonstrate the meaning of each number. Check out our fun dog counting video for additional practice and explanation.

Once your child can recognize the numbers, start teaching them how to write them. You can use visual aids like number charts or flashcards to help them practice writing each number. Use a big, clear font and emphasize the strokes and shape of each number.

As they practice writing, make sure they hold the writing tool properly and maintain a good posture. Correct them gently if they make mistakes and provide plenty of positive reinforcement. Remember, this is a new skill for them and it takes time to learn.

By starting with the basics, your child will have a solid foundation for writing numbers and be more confident in their abilities.

One of the best ways to teach your preschooler how to write numbers is by encouraging repetition. Repetition helps children build muscle memory and strengthens their understanding of how to write the numbers correctly. These practice pages allow your child to practice both counting and writing the numeral and word numbers that they are working on.

image001 image005 image003

Find many more quality number writing practice in our teacher curated lessons on writing 0 and 1, writing 2, writing 3, writing 4 and writing 5.

To encourage repetition, provide children with tracing sheets or worksheets that allow them to practice writing the numbers over and over again. You can also ask them to write the numbers in sand or shaving cream to make the process more fun and engaging.

Another effective way to encourage repetition is by using chants or songs that teach the correct formation of the numbers. Repetitive activities like these can help children remember the shape and structure of the numbers and feel more confident in their writing abilities.


It's also important to encourage your child to practice writing the numbers in different contexts. For example, you can ask them to write the numbers on a whiteboard or chalkboard or to write them in the air with their finger. You can incorporate tactile learning by filling a plate with colored sand and asking your child to use their finger to make the number in the sand. The more varied their practice, the better they will be at writing the numbers accurately. 

Learning to write numbers is an early mathematical skill that every child needs to master. But remember, every child learns at their own pace and in their own way. So, be patient, and don’t forget to celebrate every small victory along the way! To continue your child’s learning journey, check out everything we have to offer in our learning catalogue.


By Nora Brown,
Elementary school Teacher