Number Trace & Race: Number Formation Game is a fast-paced and interactive way to get your students developing number recognition and formation skills from the very start. This hands-on game is ideal for building confidence with numbers 1 to 6, while also strengthening pencil grip and hand-eye coordination.

Students will love the element of chance as they roll a die to see which number they will get to trace next. With each roll, they’ll carefully locate the matching number on their game board and use a whiteboard marker to trace over it. The excitement builds as players race to be the first to trace all six numbers – making this a motivating and repeatable activity they’ll want to play again and again.

Number Trace & Race is designed for flexible classroom use. Whether you’re introducing number formation to early learners or looking for a quick, low-prep activity for maths rotations, this game offers an effective and fun solution. It’s perfect for small groups, pairs, or even independent use, and the dual benefit of number practice and fine motor development makes it an excellent resource for foundation-level classrooms.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Recognise and identify numbers from 1 to 6
• ✅ Practise correct number formation through guided tracing
• ✅ Develop pencil grip and fine motor control
• ✅ Engage in turn-taking and build social play skills
• ✅ Increase fluency in subitising with regular die use

What’s Included

• 2 versions of the game board – high colour and low colour
• Simple instructions for gameplay
• Printable in A4 or enlarged to A3 for group play

Materials Needed

• Game board printouts (choose preferred colour version)
• One standard six-sided die per group
• Whiteboard markers
• Write-and-wipe sleeves or lamination for reusability

How to Use

1. Print and prepare the game boards (laminate or insert into write-and-wipe sleeves).
2. Students each roll a die on their turn and identify the number shown.
3. They find and trace that number on their board using a whiteboard marker.
4. If the number has already been traced, they wait for their next turn.
5. The first student to trace all six numbers on their board is the winner.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use as part of your fine motor morning bins or warm-up activities
• 💡 Add to maths rotations for independent or partner-based number practice
• 💡 Send home as a printable game for number practice with families
• 💡 Integrate into occupational therapy or intervention sessions targeting handwriting
• 💡 Introduce the game before formal number writing tasks as a warm-up

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Model correct number formation before gameplay begins using whole-class visuals or anchor charts
• 💛 Enlarge game boards for students who need additional spacing or visual support
• 💛 Use coloured dice or jumbo foam dice to make the game more exciting and sensory-friendly

Number Trace & Race is the perfect blend of skill-building and fun – making number formation practice something students genuinely enjoy.