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Color by Number Preschool Worksheets

10 free PDFsUS Letter or A4Answer key includedNo login

Big pictures to color by number, from 1 and 2 up to 10, plus count the dots pages, each with a crayon key and an answer key.

Download the color by number worksheets

Numbers 1 to 5

Start with 1 and 2, then add a number at a time up to 5. The key shows dots under each number.

Count the dots

Each part has a group of dots. Count them, find that number in the key and color.

Numbers 6 to 10

Bigger numbers for children who know 1 to 5: 6 to 10, then a mix of numbers up to 10.

Print at 100% (actual size) for the cleanest tracing lines.

About these color by number worksheets

Color by number pages turn number practice into a picture. Every part of the picture has one number in it, and a key at the top matches each number to a crayon. Preschoolers read the number, find it in the key and color that part, and a ladybug, a train or a robot appears.

The pages grow with your child. The first page uses only 1 and 2, then 1 to 3, 1 to 4 and 1 to 5. On these pages the key shows dots under each number, so a child who is still learning numerals can count the dots to check. The count the dots pages turn it around: each part has a group of dots, and children count them to find the number. The last pages use bigger numbers, from 6 to 10.

Every part is big, with thick outlines, so small hands can color inside it with a crayon. There is no writing. Each worksheet has an answer key on page 2 that shows the color of every part.

Standards

  • ELOF P-MATH 5Child associates a quantity with written numerals up to 5 and begins to write numbers.
  • ELOF P-MATH 2Child recognizes the number of objects in a small set.
  • ELOF P-MATH 3Child understands the relationship between numbers and quantities.
  • ELOF P-PMP 3Child demonstrates increasing control, strength, and coordination of small muscles.

How to use them

  1. Color the crayons in the key first and name each color together.
  2. Before coloring, point to each number in the key and say it, then count the dots under it.
  3. Ask your child to find all the parts with a 1, color them, then move to 2, and so on.
  4. On the count the dots pages, touch each dot while counting out loud, then find that number in the key.
  5. Check the finished picture with the answer key on page 2.

Teaching tips

  • Start with the 1 and 2 ladybug, even for children who know more numbers. Early success keeps them going.
  • If a child mixes up 6 and 9, show that 6 has its round part at the bottom and 9 has it at the top.
  • Counting dots arranged like dice helps children see small amounts at a glance without counting one by one.
  • Coloring a whole part builds hand strength and control. Let children use big crayons and take breaks.

Questions teachers and parents ask

At what age can children do color by number?

Many 3 year olds can do the 1 and 2 page with help, and most 4 year olds can work up to 5. The 6 to 10 pages suit children who already know the smaller numbers.

Why are there dots under the numbers in the key?

The dots let a child who is still learning to read numerals count to find the number. Over time they will read the numeral without counting.

Do these color by number pages have answer keys?

Yes. Page 2 of every worksheet shows the picture with the right color word in each part.