Before, After, and Between Numbers Worksheet for Preschoolers
This number sequencing worksheet gives children ages 4-6 practice identifying what comes before, after, and between given numbers, a skill that builds the flexible mental number line children need before tackling formal addition and subtraction. Unlike a matching or counting task, this version asks children to write in the missing numbers directly, which requires stronger independent recall of number order rather than recognition from a set of choices. Practicing all three directions — before, after, and between — on one page also reinforces that number sequences can be approached from multiple angles, not just forward counting.
Part of the pack
Month 8: Literacy, Math, Science Foundations | Ages 5-6Curriculum
How to use this worksheet
Look at the given number in the first box together and ask your child to figure out and write the number that comes before it. Move to the next box and have them write the number that comes after the given number. For any 'between' boxes, ask your child to look at both surrounding numbers and figure out what fits in the middle. Continue through the page, reviewing a few answers together by counting forward from a known number to check.
Materials needed
- Pencil
- Eraser
Extension activities
- •Have the child create their own number sequences with missing 'before,' 'after,' and 'between' numbers for you to solve.
- •Use manipulatives like blocks or beads to represent the numbers and practice sequencing hands-on before writing.
- •Play a number line hopping game, calling out 'before,' 'after,' or 'between' as your child jumps to the correct spot.
- •Practice writing a full number sequence from 1 to 20 without gaps, to reinforce overall number order fluency.
Tips for parents and teachers
Encourage the child to count aloud while completing the worksheet, since saying the sequence out loud as they work helps them self-check before committing an answer to paper. Use visual aids like a number line to help them understand the concept, especially for the 'between' questions, which require holding two numbers in mind simultaneously. If your child writes numbers out of order or reversed, it's a common fine motor and number-sense issue at this age rather than a sign of not understanding the sequencing concept.
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
Related worksheets
Missing Numbers: Ice Cream Fun Worksheet for Kids
This worksheet helps children ages 3-5 practice number sequencing by identifying and writing in the missing numerals within a series of ice cream cones and cars, numbers 1 through 10. Filling in a gap within an otherwise familiar sequence requires children to hold the whole counting order in mind and recognize what number logically belongs in the empty spot, which is more demanding than counting forward from the start each time. The playful ice cream and car theme keeps the repeated number practice visually engaging.
Hopscotch Numbers 1-50 Worksheet: Fill in the Missing Numbers!
This hopscotch-themed worksheet gives children ages 4-6 practice filling in missing numbers within the 1-50 range, extending their number sequencing beyond the more commonly rehearsed 1-20 range and building familiarity with two-digit number patterns like the '20s' or '30s.' Framing the numbers as a hopscotch grid connects the paper activity to a familiar physical game, helping children mentally picture themselves counting forward as they move up the grid. This kind of extended-range practice is an important bridge toward comfortable counting to 100.
Before and After Numbers Worksheet for Preschoolers
This number sequencing worksheet asks children ages 4-6 to identify the numbers that come immediately before and after a given number, strengthening their mental number line and reinforcing the concept that numbers exist in a fixed, ordered sequence. This before-and-after reasoning is more demanding than simple counting because it requires children to move both forward and backward from a starting point. Building this flexible number sense supports later addition and subtraction, which both rely on moving confidently along a mental number line.
Number Sequencing Worksheet: Practice Counting and Ordering Numbers!
This worksheet gives children ages 4-5 focused practice writing numerals in order by filling in the missing numbers within several different counting sequences. Unlike simple counting aloud, writing each numeral by hand forces children to connect the spoken number word to its correct written symbol, reinforcing both number recognition and early handwriting control.
Descending Order Worksheet: Numbers 31-99
This worksheet extends number-sequencing skills for children ages 4-6 into the two-digit range of 31 to 99, asking them to arrange given numbers from largest to smallest. Working with larger numbers requires understanding that the tens digit generally determines size first, an important step toward place-value thinking. Practicing descending order, which is less intuitive than counting up, also strengthens flexible number sense.
Ascending Order Cut and Paste Worksheet for Preschoolers
This worksheet teaches children ages 4-6 to arrange numbered animal pictures from smallest to largest, reinforcing the concept of ascending order as a foundational number-sequencing skill. Physically cutting and repositioning each numbered piece, rather than simply writing numbers in order, makes the abstract idea of 'smallest to largest' into something children can manipulate and see. This hands-on approach also builds patience and careful visual comparison.
Dinosaur's Missing Numbers Worksheet: Cut and Paste Fun!
Children ages 4-6 practice number recognition and sequencing in a playful dinosaur theme, identifying which numbers are missing from a sequence and pasting them into the correct spots on a row of eggs. The dinosaur and egg imagery adds motivation and narrative context to what's otherwise a straightforward but important numeracy task — recognizing numerals and understanding their fixed order.
Before and After Numbers Worksheet: Counting Bananas!
Figuring out which number comes immediately before and after a given number strengthens children ages 4-5's understanding of number order and the counting sequence, a concept that's more abstract than simply counting objects one by one. Coloring a matching number of bananas for each answer adds a concrete, visual check, letting children confirm their number sense by physically representing the quantity. This worksheet bridges rote number-sequence memorization with real quantity understanding.
Guides for this topic
Documenting Learning Without Drowning in Data: A Practical Guide for Parents and Teachers
Learn practical ways to document your child's learning without overwhelm. Simple portfolios, observation tips, and printable trackers for ages 1-8.
How to Help Your Child with Letter Reversals: A Complete Guide for Parents and Teachers
Letter reversals are normal until age 7-8. Learn the best multisensory strategies, anchor letter tricks, and activities to help children write b, d, p, and q correctly.
Activities That Help with Pencil Grip Development: A Complete Guide for Parents and Teachers
Discover fun, research-backed activities to develop pencil grip in young children. Age-wise exercises, play ideas, and expert tips for parents and teachers.
Reviews
Every worksheet for ages 4–6, no watermark
Members download the full library of 1,000+ worksheets and every activity pack without watermarks or daily limits. One year costs ₹1,000 in India or $20 elsewhere.
See membership plansOr download any worksheet free with a watermark (5 a day).