Balance Worksheet: Counting and Matching for Preschoolers
This worksheet introduces the concept of balance and equality by asking children to fill in a missing number so that both sides of a scale match, an early, concrete version of the idea behind an equal sign in later math. For ages four to five, reasoning about what number makes two sides 'balance' builds number sense and problem-solving skills beyond simple counting.
Part of the pack
Month 7: Foundational English Math Science | Ages 6-7Curriculum
How to use this worksheet
Look at the balance scale together and count the objects on each side out loud. Ask your child to notice whether one side has more, fewer, or the same number of objects as the other. Have them figure out what number needs to go in the empty box so both sides of the scale would balance, then write that number in. Continue through each scale on the page, checking together that the written number truly matches the object count on the other side.
Materials needed
- Pencil
- Eraser
Extension activities
- •Have your child draw their own balance scales with different objects on each side for a partner to solve.
- •Use a real toy balance scale or a household item like a coat hanger to demonstrate the concept of balance with actual objects.
- •Play a matching game where your child has to find two groups of objects with the same total count.
- •Count out two piles of snacks and ask your child to add or remove pieces until both piles balance.
Tips for parents and teachers
Encourage your child to count out loud and explain their reasoning for the missing number, since verbalizing the comparison helps reinforce their understanding of numbers and balance. If a physical toy scale is available, use it alongside the worksheet so your child can see the abstract concept play out with real weight and objects.
Written by
Hemsweta Jain · Teacher Cheena
MBA and Early Childhood Educator, teaching since 2014 · Founder of RaisoActive, Mumbai
Every RaisoActive worksheet is designed and checked by the founder before publishing.
Published · Last reviewed
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