A good preschool number activity makes learning feel like play. This hands-on center helps young children practice counting, number recognition, and writing. All it takes is a few simple materials: dice, number cards, and a tray of sand. Students roll and write as they explore numbers in a fun and meaningful way.
How to Set Up the Roll and Write Math Activity
Supplies Needed:
- Small trays with a thin layer of sand (or salt)
- Large foam dice
- Number cards
- Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews
This roll and write math center is simple to set up and always a hit with students. Start by filling a shallow tray with a thin layer of colored sand or salt. Add a pair of dice and a stack of number cards. That’s really all it takes. Students roll the dice, count the dots, and find the matching number. Then comes the fun part. They use their finger to write the number right in the sand. Some children like to add dots too, just like in the book Ten Black Dots.
Pairing this activity with a familiar story adds meaning to the math center. Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews is a perfect match. The simple text and bold illustrations help preschoolers see how numbers can be used in creative ways. After reading the story together, invite students to look closely at the pictures. How are the dots being used? What could they create with their own set of dots?
Supporting Early Math Development with Roll and Write Math
Preschoolers learn best through hands-on experiences, and this number activity offers just that. As they roll the dice, count the dots, and write numbers in the sand, they’re building number sense. The process reinforces one-to-one correspondence, subitizing, and early numeral formation.
There’s also a sensory component that helps children stay engaged and focused. Writing in sand provides a tactile experience that strengthens fine motor skills and makes number writing more fun. Even students who aren’t ready to write can still participate by counting or matching quantities.
Tips and Extension Ideas
- Add counters or dot stickers. Invite children to build the number using loose parts, sticks, or black circle cutouts, connecting back to the book Ten Black Dots.
- Include subitizing practice. Before students count the dots, ask if they can recognize the quantity just by looking. This helps build subitizing skills in a natural way.
- Switch up the writing tools, themes, or sensory materials. Try using paintbrushes, cotton swabs, or small sticks in the sand to keep the sensory writing engaging.
- Display number formation cards. Having visual models nearby supports students as they begin writing numerals independently.
Simple Tools, Big Impact
Bringing numbers to life doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a tray of sand, some dice, and a favorite book, this preschool number activity invites students to explore math in a way that feels playful and purposeful.
Looking for more hands-on number ideas?