1
Match the Three
Match the numeral, number word and dot counter.
more ways to play With Your Wooden Number Game
There is no single correct way to use your wooden number game. Try different matching, counting and sequencing activities, and adapt the games to suit the child’s interests, confidence and stage of learning.
Matching and Recognition
5 ideas
Ordering and Sequencing
5 ideas
Counting and Quantity
3 ideas
Teen Numbers and Early Place Value
3 ideas
Comparing Numbers
4 ideas
Addition and Subtraction
5 ideas
Language and Group Games
5 ideas
Open-Ended Play
4 ideas
Maths Symbols Expansion Pack
10 ideas
MATCH • ORDER • COUNT • COMPARE • CALCULATE
A collection of 44 simple ideas for home, classroom and early-years play.
Five Featured Games
These five activities introduce the three counter types and show the broadest range of learning possibilities.
2
Number Line
Put the counters in order from 1 to 20.
3
Missing Number
Lay out a sequence, hide one counter and guess what is missing.
4
Ten and Some More
Use the dot counters to explore teen numbers as ten and some more.
5
Number Bonds
Find pairs that make 10, then try totals to 20.
How to Use the Set
For most activities, place only the counters needed for that game on the table. This prevents the full set from feeling overwhelming and makes it easier to tailor the challenge.
Repeat favourite games using different number ranges. Start with 1-5 for first counting, 1-10 for early number recognition and number bonds, or 11-20 for teen numbers and early place value.
Matching and Recognition
5 ideas
Use the three counter types to connect the written numeral, spoken and written number word, and the quantity it represents.
1
Numeral to Word Match
Match each numeral counter to the counter showing the same number written as a word.
2
Numeral to Quantity Match
Match each numeral to the dot counter showing the same quantity.
3
Word to Quantity Match
Match each written number word to the correct dot counter.
4
Match the Three
Build complete sets by matching the numeral, number word and dot counter for the same number.
5
Memory Pairs
Place two types of counter face down, then turn over two at a time to find matching pairs. Use numeral and word, numeral and quantity, or word and quantity counters.
Ordering and Sequencing
5 ideas
These activities develop familiarity with the number sequence and the relationship between neighbouring numbers.
6
Put the Numbers in Order
Arrange the numeral counters from 1 to 20. Start with a shorter range and add more counters as confidence grows.
7
Build a Number Line
Lay the counters in a straight line from 1 to 20 and use them as a simple hands-on number line.
8
Missing Number
Lay out a short sequence, remove or cover one counter, and work out which number is missing.
9
Before and After
Choose a counter and find the number that comes immediately before it and immediately after it.
10
Between Numbers
Place two counters with a gap between them and find the number that belongs in the middle.
Counting and Quantity
3 ideas
Focus on what each number means by connecting counters to visible quantities and real groups of objects.
11
Count and Check
Choose a numeral or number-word counter, find the matching quantity counter, and count the dots to check.
12
Subitising
Show a dot counter briefly and ask the child to recognise the quantity without counting every dot. Begin with the smaller numbers.
13
Find the Same Amount
Make a group of real objects, such as buttons, blocks or shells, and find the counter showing the same quantity.
Teen Numbers and Early Place Value
3 ideas
Use the structured dot patterns to show that teen numbers are made from ten and some more.
14
Ten and Some More
Use the 11-20 dot counters to explore each teen number as ten and some more: 14 is ten and four more, while 18 is ten and eight more.
15
Teen Number Sorting
Sort the counters into two groups: 1-10 and 11-20. Discuss what makes the teen numbers different.
16
Make the Teen Number
Ask for a quantity such as ten and six more, then find the numeral, word and dot counters for 16.
Comparing Numbers
4 ideas
Explore which quantities are greater, smaller, earlier or later in the number sequence.
17
More or Less
Choose two counters and decide which number is greater and which is smaller.
18
Smallest to Biggest
Select several counters and arrange them from the smallest number to the largest.
19
Largest or Smallest
Choose a mixed group of counters and identify the largest or smallest number.
20
Compare Quantities
Use two dot counters to compare the quantities visually and decide which shows more and which shows fewer.
Addition and Subtraction
5 ideas
Turn the counters into practical tools for combining, partitioning and taking away quantities.
21
Add Two Numbers
Pick two numeral counters, add them together, then find the counter showing the total.
22
Make a Total
Choose a target number and find two counters that add together to make it.
23
Number Bonds to 10
Find pairs that total 10, such as 1 and 9, 2 and 8, 3 and 7, and 4 and 6.
24
Number Bonds to 20
For a greater challenge, find pairs of counters that total 20.
25
Take Away
Start with a number and subtract a smaller number. Use the dot counters or real objects to make the calculation easier to see.
Language and Group Games
5 ideas
These quick activities work well for adult-led play, small groups, classrooms and home learning.
26
Say It, Find It
Say a number aloud and ask the child to find the matching numeral, number word or quantity counter.
27
Read and Match
Choose a number-word counter, read it aloud, and find the matching numeral and dot counter.
28
Fastest Match
Spread a selection of counters on the table, call out a number, and race to find the correct match.
29
Sorting Game
Sort the full set into three groups: numerals, number words and dot quantities.
30
Bingo
Use simple homemade bingo boards and draw the counters one at a time as the calling pieces.
Open-Ended Play
4 ideas
Use the counters in imaginative, active and everyday play so number learning feels natural and varied.
31
Treasure Hunt
Hide counters around the room and give clues such as find number 6, find the word nine, or find the counter showing 12 dots.
32
Shop Game
Use the numeral counters as pretend prices or the quantity counters as shopping amounts in role play.
33
Object Matching
Match the quantity counters to groups of toys, snacks, craft pieces, shells or other everyday objects.
34
Pattern Building
Arrange counters to create simple repeating patterns, alternating types or quantities, and ask what comes next.
Why the Three Counter Types Matter
Together, the numeral, number-word and dot counters support recognition, counting, subitising, sequencing, comparison, early place value, number bonds and imaginative play.
Maths Symbols Expansion Pack
10 ideas
Use the five double-sided operation counters - add/+, subtract/-, multiply/x, divide/÷ and equals/= - with the numeral counters to build and explore number sentences.
35
Match the Word and Symbol
Name each operation on the word side, then flip the disc to reveal and match its mathematical symbol.
36
Build an Addition Sentence
Use two numeral counters with add/+, equals/= and a total counter to make a correct number sentence.
37
Build a Subtraction Sentence
Choose a starting number, subtract a smaller number, and complete the number sentence with the answer.
38
Find the Missing Number
Build a number sentence with one numeral missing, then work out which counter completes it.
39
Find the Missing Operation
Place two numbers and an answer, then choose the operation disc that makes the number sentence correct.
40
True or False?
Build a number sentence and decide whether it is correct. Change one counter to fix a false sentence.
41
Make the Target
Choose a target number and use two number counters and an operation disc to make that total.
42
Doubles
Build doubles such as 2 + 2 = 4, then look for more doubles within the chosen number range.
43
Multiplication Groups
Use toys or loose parts to make equal groups, then build the matching multiplication sentence.
44
Sharing and Division
Share a group of objects equally, then use the counters to build the matching division sentence.
Expansion Pack Tip
Begin with the operation words, then flip each disc to reveal the matching symbol. Introduce multiplication and division only when they suit the child's stage.
Keep Exploring
The counters can be matched, ordered, counted, compared and combined in many different ways. Repeat favourite games using new number ranges and adapt the challenge as confidence grows.