Before, After, and Between Numbers Worksheet for Preschoolers
This worksheet extends basic number sequencing for children ages 4-5 by adding the concept of 'between,' which requires holding two numbers in mind at once and figuring out what falls in the middle — a more demanding mental task than simple before-and-after questions. Along with number fill-ins, the worksheet includes a picture identification task and a simple drawing exercise, giving children practice applying ordinal thinking ('comes after') beyond pure numerals. Together these tasks build the flexible number sense children need before tackling addition and subtraction.
Curriculum
How to use this worksheet
Work through the 'Before' section first, having your child say each given number aloud and write the number that comes just before it. Move to the 'After' section and repeat the process in the other direction. For the 'Between' section, have your child look at the two given numbers and figure out what number fits in the middle. Finish by having your child circle the animal that comes after the pig and draw a heart before the circle and a square after it, explaining their choices as they go.
Materials needed
- Pencil
- Crayons
Extension activities
- •Have the child create their own number sequences with a missing 'before,' 'after,' or 'between' number for you to solve.
- •Use manipulatives like counters or coins to represent numbers and physically show what comes before, after, and between.
- •Play a number line hopping game outside with sidewalk chalk, calling out 'before,' 'after,' or 'between' as your child jumps.
- •Practice ordering a shuffled set of number cards from smallest to largest, then quiz each other on what's missing.
Tips for parents and teachers
Encourage the child to say the numbers aloud as they complete the worksheet, since verbalizing the full sequence helps them check their own answers for the trickier 'between' questions. Provide assistance as needed, but allow them to work independently as much as possible, especially once they've shown they understand the pattern on the first couple of rows. If 'between' proves difficult, count forward slowly from the smaller number and pause when you reach the larger one to show what falls in the gap.
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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