Numerical Order

Here’s a fun way to practice counting with your kindergartener! Shuffle a deck of playing cards, and you’re ready to get started. Work together to place cards in order by suit. You’ll see your child’s interest in learning increase as he races to get rid of his cards. This activity is a great way to help your student understand order and sequencing.

Skills:

• Counting
• Sequencing

What You Need:

• Deck of playing cards

What You Do:

1. Shuffle the cards and distribute all of them evenly among the players.
2. Anyone with a seven places it down in the center of the table. Line up the sevens in a neat row.
3. The players’ job is to place their cards in numerical order, without skipping any numbers. On player 1’s first turn, they will only be able to play 6s or 8s, above or below the 7s, respectively. Cards should also be matched to their suit. (e.g. A 6 of hearts should be placed above a 7 of hearts, and an 8 of spades should be placed below a 7 of spades.) Each player can play as many cards as possible on each turn.
4. If a player cannot make a play, they must pass.
5. The first player to get rid of all of their cards wins.

Variations:

• Instead of starting with 7s, start with Aces or Kings.
• Only deal 7 cards to each player. Players should draw one card after each turn.

This game offers simple play, but sneaks in some key kindergarten math concepts beneath all the fun. Think of it as a hands-on way to work the number line.