Top books and toys for learning numbers

Wipe-clean 123 by Usborne
I love the Wipe-clean series from Usborne with colourful illustrations and fun activities, and Wipe-clean 123 (Usborne, £4.99) is ideal for children learning to write numbers, as they can trace numbers over and over again by following the dotted lines in the book. It’s also useful for promoting number recognition and counting, as there are lots of objects to count too.

Counting Caterpillars by Orchard Toys
Orchard Toys has a wide range of educational games, and Counting Caterpillars (£9.50) is one that is designed to link with Early Learning Goals and help develop number recognition. The game can be played by two to four players, and the aim is to find all the numbered pieces to complete a caterpillar puzzle. Fun and educational!

SmartSnacks Number Pops by Learning Resources
The SmartSnacks ice cream lollies from Learning Resources (£17.95) are fantastic for teaching children numbers from 1 to 10 through play. Each ice cream has coloured dots to count and a removable cover with the right number. Children can match both colours and numbers at the same time as doing pretend play. A very useful toy!

Practise with Peppa: Wipe-Clean Numbers by Ladybird
For Peppa Pig fans, the Practise with Peppa series is brilliant, as it can be easier to get little ones interested in learning when they see a character they love. Practise with Peppa: Wipe-Clean Numbers (Ladybird, £4.99) encourages children to write numbers by following dotted lines as well as try on their own, and since this is also wipe-clean, they can practise over and over again. There are also number and counting activities throughout, which are fun since illustrations include Peppa and friends.

Tags: Counting, Early Years Foundation Stage, Educational toys, Learning Resources, Numbers, Orchard Toys, Preschoolers, Toys, Usborne