Download our number 4 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 4 brings new challenges for preschoolers, requiring recognizing patterns beyond counting by ones. However, turning four into an adventure through creative writing makes mastering this multi-digit number an enjoyable experience. 

Writing provides an engaging way for young kids to practice numbers while exploring their imagination. Whether your child is just starting with number concepts or ready for more complex skills, these activities encourage learning through play. Download our number 4 printable to get started. 

To learn more, check out our round-up of metaphor examples for kids.

Number 4 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 4 into your child’s daily routine through counting games, rhymes, and hands-on learning. For more ideas, read our round-up of the best children’s book authors.

1. Number 4 Tracing Sheets

Distribute worksheets with the number 4 outlined in dotted lines. Encourage children to trace these lines using crayons or markers. This activity helps them familiarize themselves with the shape of the number and improves hand-eye coordination. The tracing reinforces the visual form of the number through guided practice.

2. Finger Painting 4s

Set up a finger painting station with bright, non-toxic paints. Kids can use their fingers to draw the number 4 on paper, combining art with number learning. This tactile method is excellent for helping them remember the shape of the number. The multi-sensory finger painting experience aids in deeper engagement and memory of the number shape. Check out our guide with the best authors like Roald Dahl for kids.

3. Playdough Number 4

Give each child a piece of playdough to roll and shape into the number 4. This hands-on activity is fantastic for fine motor development, allowing children to explore the number’s form three-dimensionally. Manipulating the pliable playdough assists in strengthening hand muscles while learning the numeric form.

4. Number 4 Hunt

Organize a fun hunt in the classroom where children look for sets of four items or images of the number 4. This game helps them associate numbers with real-world quantities and enhances their observational skills. The search aspect adds an element of challenge and fun to number recognition.

5. Sand or Salt Tray Writing

Fill a tray with sand or salt and have the kids write the number 4 using their fingers or a stick. Writing in sand or salt provides valuable sensory feedback, which is beneficial for learning and memorization. The tactile experience provides multi-sensory input that boosts memory retention.

6. Number 4 Collage

Provide materials like magazines, newspapers, or printed pages for children to cut out the number 4. They can glue these cutouts onto paper, creating a collage that helps them recognize the number in different fonts and contexts. The collage reinforces number identification in diverse visual examples.

Number 4 Stamping: Use rubber stamps or homemade sponge shapes to stamp the number 4 on paper. This activity is fun and educational, helping children learn the shape of numbers through a creative process. The repetitive stamping aids in committing the number form to memory.

7. Connect the Dots to Make 4

Create worksheets where connecting the dots forms the number 4. This activity keeps children engaged and helps improve their fine motor skills and number recognition. Connecting the dots integrates visual and motor skills for multi-dimensional learning.

8. Number 4 Story Time

Choose a story emphasizing the number 4 and read it to the class. Afterward, have the children draw or write the number 4, linking the narrative to the writing activity. This method reinforces the number through the engaging storytelling medium and strengthens its connection to written form.

A popular children’s book focusing on the number 4 is “Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3″ by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson. While this book covers numbers more broadly, it includes a fun and engaging narrative about the number 4 as part of its rhythmic and lively exploration of numbers up to 100. For more, check out our round-up of the best Stan and Jan Berenstain books.

9. Number 4 Song and Dance

Invent a catchy song or chant about the number 4, incorporating movements that mimic writing the number 4 in the air. This kinesthetic learning approach helps children remember the shape through movement and rhythm. Combining physical activity with the number makes it a fun, memorable experience.

10. Outdoor Number 4 Trace

Use sidewalk chalk to draw large number 4s outside. Children can trace these numbers with different colors of chalk, turning learning into an enjoyable, full-body activity. The change of scenery adds novelty to engage students.

11. Number 4 Matching Game

Create cards with groups of four objects and others with the numeral 4. This matching game is fun to reinforce counting skills and number recognition. Matching reinforces the conceptual link between quantity and written symbol.

12. Bean or Button Number 4

Provide a sheet with a large number 4 outlined and have children glue beans, buttons, or small pebbles along it. This activity enhances fine motor skills and creates a tactile number 4 for them to touch. The added sensory component aids in commitment to memory.

13. Number 4 Puzzle

Use simple puzzles where the pieces form the number 4 when put together. This can be a group activity that promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and recognition of the number’s shape. Puzzles build spatial and collaborative skills along with numeric knowledge.

14. Digital Drawing of Number 4

Introduce children to technology using a tablet or computer with a drawing program. They can practice drawing the number 4, which helps develop digital literacy and hand-eye coordination. Incorporating technology engages students with a new medium.

Download Our Number 4 Worksheet

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