Kindergarten Number Words Worksheet: Match Each Word to Its Numeral

A five-year-old can often say "seven" and point to a 7, yet freeze in front of the word written out. This kindergarten number words worksheet joins those two pictures of the same number. On the left, ten rounded cards show words such as ten, zero, three and four. On the right, ten colored circles hold the numerals 0 to 10, all but 1, in a mixed order. Your child reads each word and draws a line to its numeral. The number one is missing from both columns: ask your child which number word and numeral are left out, then write "one" and 1 together at the bottom of the page. The PDF has two pages, the worksheet and its answer key.

Why a number needs three names

A number lives in three forms: the amount, the numeral and the word. Children usually learn the first two together, through counting and pointing, while the written word comes later, once reading begins.

This page builds the bridge to numbers in words. For example, a child who can read the first sound of "four" and "five" has a clue, but both start with f. So the page asks for more than a first-letter guess, and that is real reading.

Also, zero sits second in the list, which gives you a chance to explain that zero is a number that means none. Finally, saying the words aloud while matching builds math vocabulary the child will use for years. Three names, one number.

At the table: the lines that go straight

Start by reading the words together. Point to each card and let your child say it, or say it for them and ask them to repeat.

However, there is a small trap on this page, because the words "five" and "eight" sit right across from their own numerals. A child who notices this may draw every line straight across and link "ten" to the 3. Instead of correcting, ask, "Read me this word again. Now find that number in the circles."

The words that start the same way need care too, like "six" and "seven". So say, "Let's clap the word. Is it one beat or two?"

Lines will cross, and that is fine. Once you finish, check against the answer key together.

House numbers, clocks and a counting tree

Number words appear all around you. On a walk, read the numeral on a house door, then say its word together. At home, look at the oven clock or a calendar and ask your child to name one number they see.

You can also write a few number words on sticky notes and hide them. Your child finds one, reads it, and holds up that many fingers. Then ask them to write the missing word, "one", in their own letters.

The picture book "Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3" by Bill Martin Jr. sends numbers climbing up an apple tree. While you read, tap each number and say its name.

Finally, once you finish the page, praise the reading: "You sounded out every word before you drew the line."