Make a fabulously fun hidden numbers game for preschoolers to practise learning their numbers!

I love hands on learning activities that have a hint of magic and real fun about them.

This activity is both VERY easy and VERY easily adaptable to suit a range of different learning objectives. So hopefully you will find a way to use it for your own kids!

How to make a hidden numbers game for your kids

You will need:

1. transparent serving or oven dish
2. piece of card
3. marker pen
4. rainbow rice (click here to find out how to make this easily!)
5. paint brush

Simply find a piece of paper to match the size of the underside of the transparent baking dish. For us, A4 worked perfectly.

Onto this paper write all of the numbers that your child is currently earning, or moving onto learning next so that there is an element of challenge. My 4 year old loves “big” numbers and can now read two digit numerals with some ease. He is really interested in hundreds numbers but not yet able to read them with confidence, so this is the next step.

You could choose to write their name, letters that they are learning, sight words or even calculations to solve. Draw shapes, stick animal/ vehicle / dinosaur stickers to find- anything is possible! Start with your child and take it from there.

Now slide this sheet under the dish ready to go.

Into the dish pour a thin layer of rainbow rice (or choose dyed salt or another sensory base filler material.)

Then simply set out a paintbrush next to it and ask your child to find the hidden surprises!

This is such a fun and rewarding little game that is sure to delight any child as they just LOVE secret surprises!

Watch the simple how-to video and snapshots of play here too:

I hope you loved this super simple hidden numbers game for preschoolers! Tag me if you make a version, I would love to see it and re-share on Instagram!

Find lots more MATHS GAMES and DIY RESOURCES here in the archives too.