Number Matching Worksheet: 0-18
This activity strengthens numeral recognition for children ages 3-5 by having them find and pair matching numbers from 0 to 18 printed on separate strips. Because the numbers are scattered rather than in order, children must recognize each digit shape on its own rather than relying on counting sequence, which builds true number recognition instead of rote list-reciting.
Curriculum
How to use this worksheet
Cut out all the number strips along the dotted lines and spread them out on a table or flat surface. Have your child pick one strip from the left-hand set and say the number aloud, then search among the right-hand strips for its exact match. Once a pair is found, apply a small amount of glue and stick the two matching strips together. Continue until every number from 0 to 18 has been matched, saying each number aloud as it's paired.
Materials needed
- Scissors
- Glue
Extension activities
- •Line up the matched pairs in order from 0 to 18 to build a simple number line.
- •Hide the number strips around the room and have your child find and call out each number as they collect it.
- •Count a group of household objects and hold up the matching number strip.
- •Play a quick game comparing two matched pairs and deciding which number is bigger.
Tips for parents and teachers
Watch for confusion between visually similar numbers, like 6 and 9 or 1 and 7, which is common and normal at this age — point out the direction each one faces. Numbers past ten are often trickier since they combine two digits, so give extra time and encouragement on the teen numbers. Saying each number aloud during matching reinforces the link between the spoken word and its written symbol.
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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