Number Word Matching Worksheets for Kindergarten – Free Printable
Connect numerals to the number words one through nine. Each board has three pairs and space to draw connecting lines. Read the words aloud so early reading skills do not become a barrier to the math activity.
Connect the numeral, the spoken name, and the written word
Nora recognizes the numeral 5 on a card. When she sees the word “five,” she pauses. That pause does not tell us she cannot count five objects. The numeral and the written word are two different ways of recording the same spoken number name, and she is still learning to connect them.
Try one match together: place five counters beside a card showing 5. Count the counters, say “five,” and show a second card with the word five. Explain that both cards name the same number.
Move the word card to a new position and ask the child to find it again. The match depends on the number name, not on which cards happen to be across from one another.
Read the words aloud when needed
This activity can be used before children read the number words independently. Read each word on the right, touching it as you speak, and let the child choose the matching numeral on the left. Read a word again if asked. The child is practicing the connection between a numeral and its name, with adult support for the printed English.
A child learning English may already know the quantity and its name in another language. Show real objects and say the English word together. Offer time to practice the new word without treating unfamiliar spelling as a counting mistake.
Make one connection at a time
Choose a numeral, say its name, and look for the matching word. Put a finger on both dots before drawing the line. Then connect those two dots. Repeat for the remaining numerals. Each small board contains three different numerals and three different words; each item has one match.
Some boards have matches directly across. Others require diagonal lines. Lines may cross in the middle. Crossing is not an error when each line starts and ends at the correct dots. If the child loses track of a line, trace it slowly from the numeral to the word rather than guessing from the closest end.
Separate matching from handwriting
A child may point correctly but find drawing a long diagonal difficult. Let them place matching cards side by side or ask an adult to draw the line they indicate. A slightly curved line is fine. Clear endpoints matter more than perfectly straight pencil work.
When the child is ready, invite them to trace a word with a finger and say it aloud. Writing the word from memory is an optional follow-up, not a requirement for completing this worksheet. Keep the focus on what each numeral and word represent.
Check the meaning with a small group of objects
After checking a line, ask the child to show that number using blocks or fingers. If they connect 8 to eight but make only seven objects, return to counting each object once. If they build eight correctly but cannot identify the printed word, keep practicing the word connection with read-aloud support.
Print a short set and check the endpoints
Each page has four matching boards, with three pairs per board. The numbers come from one through nine. The answer key shows the connecting lines and highlights the word labels in red. Compare endpoints rather than the exact shape of the child's pencil line.
Use New numbers to change the numerals and word positions. Choose another set after discussing one or two matches together. This is supporting number-name practice; it does not cover zero, teen numbers, or a full Kindergarten counting curriculum.
Make a practice set
Choose what to print. Selecting both shows the answer key on screen and prints the questions followed by the answers.
After the practice
Ask the child to show one matched number with counters or fingers. Check where each line begins and ends; a curved or crossing line can still be correct.
Picture activityCount and Write Worksheets for Kindergarten
Count picture groups from 1 to 9 and write 0 for an empty group. Touch each object once and record the total.
6 problems · Answer key included
Picture activityCount and Circle Worksheets for Kindergarten
Circle a requested number of pictures. Any selection with the right count is correct.
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More about numbers · Kindergarten worksheets
Kindergarten selected skill connection: Number-name enrichment within 9; independent reading of number words is not required. See the Common Core grade guidance. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.