Free 1-20 Number Chart Activities and Games For Young Learners

Get ready to explore the world of numbers with our free printable 1-20 number chart. We will share the advantage of starting with a chart of numbers 1-20 instead of the traditional 1-100 option. Then it’s time to practice with some fun number chart games and activities for preschoolers and kinderartners. Download our free printable Number Chart for Kindergarten pack to get started.

1-20 number chart

Getting started with numbers, addition, and subtraction can be tricky for many young learners. Understanding how numbers work together and grasping the concept of adding and taking away can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle.

However, we can make this journey fun and rewarding with the right tools and guidance. That’s where number charts come in handy. They provide a visual aid that helps children see the patterns and relationships between numbers, making math more accessible and enjoyable.

Let’s explore how number charts can help young learners overcome these challenges and build a strong foundation in mathematics.

What Is A Number Chart?

A number chart is a grid showing the numbers in numerical order. A 1-20 number chart contains the numbers 1 to 20. The grid can be arranged in different ways.

2 X 10 grid
10 X 2 grid
4 X 5 Grid
5 x 4 grid

With a 20s chart, numbers are read from left to right. It usually starts with 1 in the top left corner and continues to 20.

Here are some interesting facts to discuss with your students.

In the horizontal rows, the numbers increase by 1 as you move from left to right.

In the vertical columns, the number increases depending on the grid type as you move down a square.
- In a 2 x 10 grid, the increase is 10.
- In a 4 X 5 grid, the increase is 4

How Are Number Charts Helpful?

Math can be tricky for younger concrete thinkers because it often requires abstract reasoning and conceptual understanding beyond what our concrete learners can grasp. Here are the benefits of using a number chart

Visual Understanding: Number charts provide visual representations that help children grasp abstract mathematical concepts more easily. For example, seeing numbers arranged in a grid format can help them understand place value and the relationship between digits in a number.
Counting Practice: They offer a structured platform for counting practice and developing basic numeracy skills. Children can practice counting forwards and backward by visually tracking numbers across rows and columns, skip counting, and understanding number sequences.
Pattern Recognition: Number charts highlight patterns and sequences, fostering pattern recognition abilities crucial for mathematical reasoning. For instance, observing how numbers increase by one as you move across a row or how every other number is even can help children identify and predict patterns.
Numerical Relationships: They facilitate systematically exploring numerical relationships, such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Children can visually see how numbers combine or change as they move through the chart, aiding their understanding of basic arithmetic operations.
Problem Solving: Number charts can engage children in problem-solving activities, promoting critical thinking and logical reasoning skills. For example, they can use the chart to find patterns or solve puzzles, encouraging them to think analytically and apply mathematical concepts in different contexts.

The Advantages Of Starting With 1-20 Number Charts

We recommend using a 1-20 number chart when you start out for the following reasons.

Limits the numbers: Limiting the number of examined numbers, providing students with a manageable and focused learning experience.
Easier to grasp and build foundational skills: Starting with smaller number charts allows children to learn addition and subtraction in a simpler, more manageable way.
Develops confidence and motivation: Mastering addition and subtraction using smaller number charts builds confidence in children’s problem-solving ability. As they successfully complete calculations within these limits, their motivation increases, spurring them towards more challenging math tasks.
Counting Mastery: By focusing on numbers up to 20, children can master counting skills more effectively, working within a smaller, more manageable numerical range for early learners.

Chart of numbers 1-20

Our three pages are simple number charts from 1 to 20. They have 4 columns and 5 rows

The first is filled in with numbers 1-20 in numerical order.
The second is a blank chart with editable fields. Open the PDF in Adobe Reader, click on the field, and type in the numbers.
The third has children holding up signs with the numbers from 1-20.

Number chart games

We’ve created a free printable1-20 number chart pack of activities and games you can use with your young learners. Let’s take a look at what is inside.

Making Puzzles

Cut the first chart into chunks to create a puzzle. Challenge your learners to put it together so that the numbers are in the correct order.

Coloring Patterns

Invite the children to color all the even numbers in one color and the odd numbers in different colors. Examine the patterns.

Guess That Number

Play Guess That Number. Choose someone to be it and ask them to think of a number between 1 and 20. The other players take turns naming a number, and “It” must tell them if the number is too big or too small. Show the players how to cross off the eliminated numbers until they find the correct one.

For example, if a player guesses 17 and that is too big, they can cross off 17 and then all the numbers above. If they guess 10 and that is too small, they can cross off 10 and all the numbers below.

How Far Apart

Provide each student with two chips and a 20 chart. Have one person choose a number between 1-20 and cover that number on the chart. Then, ask another student to name another number for each person. Then, challenge everyone to figure out the distance between the two numbers. This activity helps introduce the concept of subtraction by showing it as the distance between numbers.

Skip Counting

Practice counting by 2s, 4s, or 5s using the number chart as your guide. You can do this activity as a class or individually. Children can also color in the numbers they skip count, revealing patterns on the chart. Kids find this amazing!

Fill In the Blanks

Use the blank fillable 1-20 number chart to print out various charts with numbers omitted. Distribute these charts to your students and have them identify and fill in the missing numbers.

You can have them write in the numbers or cut up a copy of the chart and let the children pick the correct number to go into the blank spot.

This activity reinforces number recognition and sequencing skills and encourages active engagement and participation in learning. Additionally, it allows students to practice numerical problem-solving and critical thinking as they identify the missing numbers and place them in the correct sequence.

Number Scavenger Hunt

This activity expands on the previous one. Create a 1-20 number chart with missing numbers. Cut up another table and hide the numbers around your learning area. Direct children to find the numbers they need to fill in their tables.

Racing To And From 20

The last six pages of our printables are for a fun racing game. We race to 20 to practice addition and race from 20 to practice subtraction. Each game has a filled game board, an empty one, and a racing log.

Playing The Game

Play individually or in pairs. Each participant starts by placing a token on the number 1. Take turns rolling the dice and advancing the corresponding number of spaces on the chart. The first to reach 20 wins! If you want the game to last longer, you can create a dice with the numbers 1-3. Purchase some blank wooden dice and write the numerals on the side.

Playing With The Blank Chart

For a twist, use the blank chart. Instead of moving a token, players will roll the dice to advance to 20, writing in the numbers they land on as they progress.

Using The Racing Log

The racing log is an add-on and helps students see how equations work. The students start by logging the starting number in their log. They roll the dice and log the number they roll. They move their counter on the chart and then fill in the final column.

Number Chart for Kindergarten

In conclusion, I hope this post has provided you with valuable resources and inspiration for using a 1-20 number chart in fun and educational ways! Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these printable games and activities offer engaging opportunities for preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten age children to develop essential numeracy skills while having a great time. Your feedback and sharing of this resource are greatly appreciated, so please feel free to spread the word and share this post with others who might benefit from it. Together, let’s make learning math an enjoyable adventure for all!