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.
Part of the pack
Month 1: Learning & Development | Ages 6-7Curriculum
How to use this worksheet
Look at the number shown inside the rainbow together and say it out loud. Ask your child what number comes right before it, and have them write that number in the space provided. Then ask what number comes right after it, and have them write that number in its space as well. Continue through each rainbow on the page, checking the sequence together each time.
Materials needed
- Pencil
- Eraser
Extension activities
- •Have the child create their own before and after number problems using a number they pick.
- •Use manipulatives, like blocks or counters, to help visualize numbers before and after a given number.
- •Practice counting forward and backward together out loud, starting from different numbers.
- •Play a number line hopscotch game, stepping to the number that comes before or after a called-out number.
- •Use a number line or hundred chart as a visual reference while solving new problems.
Tips for parents and teachers
Encourage the child to say the numbers out loud as they write them, since verbalizing the sequence helps solidify the before-and-after relationship. Provide positive reinforcement and make it a fun activity, since some children find 'before' more difficult than 'after' because it requires counting backward. Keep a number line visible nearby as a support tool until the sequence starts to feel automatic.
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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