If you are looking for fun and simple preschool number matching activities, this printable game has been a big hit in our house. Earlier this week I shared a letter matching game and an ABC activity I made for my daughter. Today I am sharing our 1–10 Number Matching Game, an easy number activity preschool, pre-k, and even kindergarten little learners will love.

This hands-on game turns early math practice into one of those preschool number games kids actually ask to play again.

Cards with dogs and bones on them as part of a preschool number matching activity

How This Preschool Number Matching Game Works

The concept is simple and developmentally appropriate for preschoolers who are just beginning to recognize numbers.

Each “Number Dog” has a numeral on it. The goal is to match the dog with the correct “Number Bone” that shows the corresponding number of dots. For example, the dog with a 1 matches with the bone that has one dot.

This type of preschool number matching activity helps children:

  • Recognize numerals 1–10
  • Identify dot quantities
  • Build one-to-one correspondence
  • Strengthen visual discrimination skills

Because the game includes both numerals and dot clusters, it supports number recognition in a playful, concrete way.

Cards with dogs and bones on them as part of a preschool number matching activity

Why Preschool Number Games Matter

Play-based learning is one of the most effective ways to introduce early math concepts. This number activity lets preschoolers move the pieces around and play while they learn. It feels like a game, not schoolwork, which makes them want to keep doing it again and again.

After I introduced the game to my daughter, we played it five times in a row. She loved pretending the dogs were “eating” the bones. With each round, she became quicker at recognizing the dot groupings that matched each number.

That is the beauty of hands-on preschool number games. Children build confidence while having fun.

Turn It Into Matching Worksheets Preschool Learners Can Use

While this activity works well as a file folder game or table-top activity, you can also adapt it into matching worksheets preschool children can complete independently.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Glue the dogs on one side of a page and have children draw lines to the matching bones
  • Use Velcro dots for reusable matching practice
  • Laminate the pieces and use dry erase markers
  • Add clothespins to clip the correct bone to each dog

These small adjustments transform the printable into flexible matching worksheets preschool teachers and parents can reuse throughout the year.

Download the Preschool Number Matching Printable

You can download the 1–10 Preschool Number Matching Game below. Directions are included in the PDF, but I would love to hear how you use these pieces in your own preschool routine.

If you are building a collection of engaging preschool number games, this one is simple to prep and easy to play.

Do not miss my other preschool activities for early learners.

Download the Number Matching Game in pdf format.

Directions are included with the pdf, but I would love to hear how else you use these game pieces!