Bilingual Number Matching With Pegs – 3 Simple Fine Motor Activities

Since my toddler daughter loved this Clothespin Color Matching activity, I thought the pegs could be a fun, hands-on way to review number symbols and patterns! She’s super fascinated by numbers, and I’m excited to share 3 simple number matching activities that were a big hit for her.

While strengthening her fine motor skills, she was also very focused during these number matching activities. As all parents know, concentration can be somewhat unpredictable at this age, and protecting time for kids to explore through play is super important!

In addition, since my daughter is bilingual and speaks Mandarin Chinese and English, she is learning basic math in both languages. At her young age, we are primarily focusing on the minority language, Chinese, so you’ll see Chinese characters in the photos. However, as with any activity, feel free to adapt this to your preferred language.

Math teaching tips to keep in mind

• Regularly model counting out loud for your child and ask him or her to count out loud 一，二，三，四，五，六，七，八, 九, 十…yī, èr, sān, sì, wǔ, liù, qī, bā, jiǔ, shí…
• Explain to your child that counting out loud helps make a habit of counting carefully without rushing.
• Avoid quizzing your child or forcing your child to do activities that don’t suit their interests or level

Recommended materials for number matching peg activities

Because I don’t want to waste materials, I try to use supplies we have at home. Here is what we used for these fine motor number pegging activities:

1. Clothespins
2. Cardboard
3. Sharpie marker
4. Paint (optional)

Dot and number matching with clothespins

How to set up the activity

1. Optional: paint a cardboard (gives contrast to the pegs)
2. Write numbers 1-10 on cardboard
3. Draw dots on pegs with Sharpie
4. Match peg to corresponding number
5. Ask your child which pegs have the most and least dots

Clock-face number pegging

How to set up the activity

1. Trace and cut cardboard circle (I used the lid of an oatmeal container)
2. Optional: paint cardboard (gives contrast to the pegs)
3. Write numbers 1-12 on cardboard
4. Write on pegs with Sharpie
5. Match peg to corresponding number

Related: How to Teach Kids Time with Simple, Hands-On Clock Activities

Skip counting with clothespins

What to do

1. Write numbers on cardboard strips – start with 10s, because it is easier for kids to learn
2. Write numbers on clothespins with permanent marker
3. Match peg to corresponding number
4. When the child has mastered skip counting 10s, work on 5s, 2s, 3s, and 4s.  Explain to child that skip counting helps them count faster (speed counting!) and builds the foundation for multiplication

Have you tried any of these fine motor number-matching activities?

If you try these number-matching activities, let us know in the comments below.