Download our number 6 flashcard printable featured in our helpful learning guide; check out our top activities to help children learn how to read and write numbers.

The Number 6 is a pretty big deal in the world of preschoolers! It’s the largest number they can count on one hand, plus one more. When your little learners get the hang of counting up to 6, they’re starting to see how numbers keep going past 5.

Learning to count on two hands is a pretty big milestone for you and your little ones. Check out our top activities for preschoolers to graduate to the number 6, including creative counting techniques and more! Download our number 6 printable to get started. 

To learn more about writing skills for young minds, check out our round-up of metaphor examples for kids.

Number 6 Activities for Kindergarten and Preschool

Here, you’ll find ideas for writing number stories involving games, everyday objects, and school-based activities. We’ll also share tips for incorporating the number 6 into your child’s daily routine through counting games, rhymes, and hands-on experiences. For more ideas, read our round-up of the best children’s book authors.

1. Tracing Number 6

Provide students with detailed tracing pages to enhance the learning experience with the number 5. This allows them to focus on accurately replicating the shape of the number. Discussing the formation as they trace reinforces the pattern.

Encourage taking turns reading aloud during the activity to maintain engagement. A helpful tip is to offer a variety of colored pencils, adding an element of novelty and keeping the activity fresh and exciting.

2. Finger Paint 6s

Invite self-expression as children explore techniques for creating sixes with paint. Describe similarities and differences to build observational skills. Reminding to close the shape fully prevents mistakes. Tip: Play music to set a relaxed, creative mood.

3. Play Dough Sixes

Allow experimentation connecting circles until the numeral is mastered. As fine motor skills improve, numbers can be formed more quickly. Counting each connection solidifies the quantity. Tip: Provide templates as a challenge for advanced students.

4. 6 Scavenger Hunt

Hide clues around the room and have pairs work together to solve riddles to locate the hidden 6 items. Cheerful encouragement sustains motivation. Coming together to share discoveries fosters collaboration. Tip: Vary difficulty based on individual needs.

5. Sand Tray Writing

Demonstrate proper numeral formation before giving children their turn. Providing feedback on technique builds skills. Displaying the tray shows the learning process. Tip: Consider adding small objects like shells for counting practice.

6. 6 Collage

Creating collages is an engaging way to explore the number 6. Invite students to gather six different materials or images to incorporate into their collage. This activity reinforces their understanding of the number and encourages creativity and artistic expression. As they select and arrange their six items, they deepen their grasp of the number, blending numerical learning with artistic exploration.

7. 6 Stamping

Stamping activities are a fantastic way to reinforce the number 6. Encourage students to use stamps to create patterns or sequences that include six items. This hands-on approach solidifies their understanding of the number and adds an element of tactile learning. By counting and stamping six times, students engage more deeply with the concept, making the learning process effective and enjoyable.

8. Connect the Dots

Building connections enhances visualization and concentration. For added engagement, consider reading clues to help students find hidden images. Emphasizing the importance of persistence, not just the final outcome, nurtures a growth mindset. A helpful tip is to occasionally connect random dots, encouraging flexibility and adaptability in thinking.

9. 6 Story Time

Relate story events to the numeric concept for deep understanding. Sequencing by ordering pictures supports comprehension and memory. Sharing favorite parts encourages participation. 

For the number 6, a charming and educational choice is Six Dinner Sid by American author Inga Moore. 

This story is about a cat named Sid who cleverly gets six different dinners every night from six different neighbors. It’s a fun and engaging way to introduce the concept of the number 6 to young children, with a narrative that combines humor, counting, and a touch of mischief. For more, check out our round-up of the best Stan and Jan Berenstain books.

10. Chalk 6s

Demonstrate proper grip and provide feedback to build confidence. Taking turns leading encourages leadership. You could write math problems involving six for an additional learning layer. Tip: Add other numerals for more practice. Check out our guide with the best authors like Roald Dahl for kids.

11. 6 Memory Game

Time turns to motivate concentration. High fives for correct matches build excitement. Describing strategies aids metacognition. Tip: Occasionally clap instead of slapping for an extra challenge.

12. Glue 6 Objects

Before diving into gluing, demonstrate how to arrange items in an orderly fashion. Encourage students to count each placement, reinforcing their understanding of one-to-one correspondence. Proudly displaying their completed pages communicates your belief in their abilities. 

13. 6 Puzzles

Guide students through challenges step-by-step, showcasing problem-solving techniques with a puzzle about the number 6. Encourage them to piece together a puzzle where the solution revolves around grouping or arranging items in sets of six. Celebrate creative thinking as much as quick solutions, showing value in the process and the result. 

Discuss various strategies to solve the puzzle, sparking diverse perspectives and approaches. A useful tip: offer puzzles at multiple difficulty levels to cater to different skill sets, keeping all students challenged and engaged.

14. 6 Hopscotch

Ensure everyone gets a chance by taking turns to throw, fostering a sense of friendly competition. For an added challenge, consider including math problems in each space. Celebrate successes with high fives, boosting team spirit and camaraderie.

15. Shape Search

Set a timer to motivate swift searches. Come together to analyze clues found for higher-order thinking. Optional: Assign point values to encourage thoroughness. Tip: Occasionally, hide in unusual places.

16. Number Line Walking

Model counting accurately to the target number. Ask students to note numbers passed as another reinforcement layer. Optional: Race to the 6 space, then back for added excitement. Tip: Consider nonlinear number lines for an extra challenge.

Download Our Number Six Worksheet

If you found this post helpful, check out our letter printables and worksheets resource.