I find it interesting that kids can go from scribbling all across the paper to — one day — coloring inside the lines. And enjoying it! My 4 1/2 year old recently discovered the joy of coloring, so I created this coloring page to use as a math game for kids.
I created the train with basic shapes and lines and programmed it with the numbers 10-20, because these are the numbers we are working at recognizing. Then I made a set of cards with the numbers 10-20 listed 2-3 times each.
I was all set to play it with him, but his older sister wanted to play.
The kids gathered their markers, and each sat down with a copy of the train. (Whoops — I forgot to put numbers in the some of the spaces, which you might notice in the pictures. I fixed it later.) The numbered cards lay between them.
Here’s how you play:
1) On your turn, draw a card.
2) Read the number on the card aloud.
3) Find that number on your train and color it.
4) If you have already colored that number, the other player may color it on his train if that space is still blank.
5) Whoever colors the entire train first, wins.
How is the game versatile? I have included a blank copy so that you can add whatever numbers you wish.
These are just three ways to change up the game:
1) On the cards, draw a certain number of dots. Have your child count the dots and color the matching number on the train.
2) Draw shapes on each card — find the matching shape on the train to color.
3) On each card, put a math problem. Color the answer on the train.
If you’re so inclined, you can create your own coloring race game sheets. Have fun!
Get the blank train HERE.
Get the train with #1-10HERE.
Get the train with #11-20 HERE.
Find more free printables!
© 2013 – 2018, Anna G. All rights reserved.
Jill says
Hi,
I post homeschool freebies daily and was wondering if you would mind me featuring your post and use your image on my blog, Blessed Beyond a Doubt. Od course, I will be directing my readers to a direct link to you blog to grab the freebies.
Please let me know if this is ok, thanks!
annageig says
Absolutely! Link to anything provided readers need to come here to get the freebie. Thanks!
Debs says
Hi there. Thanks for linking this to Tuesday Tots. I’ve featured it this week on Learn with Play at home 🙂
annageig says
Thank you so much for the feature!! I’m a little late on my reply… it’s been a long week of stomach flu over here…
Rebecca says
This looks a fun way to learn numbers. Thanks for linking to the Sunday Showcase. I’ve pinned it to our board.
annageig says
Thank you, Rebecca! I’m glad you stopped by.
AA_Mom says
I just landed on this page thru some links and am amazed at how simple and engaging this is going to be for my kids. Truly brilliant!.
Anna Geiger says
Thanks so much! Hope you get a chance to use it. 🙂
Pinkoddy says
This is such a clever idea. My boys are certainly competitive so will want to win!
As you previously linked up with the Weekly Kids Co-op I am featuring it.
Janette McMaster says
Hia – I just wanted to say that your website is brilliant. Thank you so much for sharing your freebies! I work in a primary school in Dorset as a TA and it is so lovely to find new and interesting, ideas!
Anna Geiger says
Thank you, Janette! I’m so glad you can use some of my printables!
Michelle says
This looks so fun! Thank you for all the wonderful resources. FYI, it looks like these links aren’t working anymore.
Anna Geiger says
The links work, but you may have to access them differently. That’s why I linked to this post under the links: https://www.themeasuredmom.com/how-to-download-free-files/
Michelle says
Thanks! I think it was trying to open on my phone. Everything was easy on the computer.
Anna Geiger says
So glad you got it to work! 🙂