Numerical Patterns
Reception · Maths
Count, spot patterns and play with numbers to 10.
Choose a game
Take your time, try a game and collect stars.
Is it a double?
2 and 2 is a double; 2 and 3 is not. Spot the doubles in this free Reception maths game.
Play Is it a double?Odd or even?
Pair up socks, shoes and gloves to find out whether a number up to 10 is odd or even in this free Reception maths game.
Play Odd or even?Count beyond 20
19, 20, 21, 22: put numbers in counting order past 20 in this free Reception maths game.
Play Count beyond 20
Learning about numerical patterns
These Reception Maths games practise Is it a double?, Odd or even?, Count beyond 20. Choose a game above for a short activity, or explore the examples below before you play. The full guide for each game explains its controls, gives more examples and includes a free printable for practice away from the screen.
Talk it through
Use real things such as toys, buttons or snacks before playing. Count together, touching each one, then say the last number again: “5. There are 5.” Read the cards aloud while your child chooses.
Ask: “How do you know? Can you show me?” Give your child time to explain. Return to an example after playing and ask whether they would approach it differently.
Is it a double?
A double is when two parts are the same, like 2 and 2. Children spot doubles and learn that they make a total, such as 2 and 2 make 4.
Try an example: 3 and 3
Both sides have 3 dots. They are the same.
Show the answer
A double
What to look out for
Looking at only one side Point to each side in turn before deciding.
Odd or even?
Even numbers can be shared into pairs with none left over. Odd numbers always leave one on its own.
Try an example: 4 🧤🧤🧤🧤
Two pairs of gloves, nothing left over.
Show the answer
Even
What to look out for
Calling 1 even A single sock has no partner, so 1 is odd.
Count beyond 20
Counting beyond 20 means carrying on past 20, noticing the pattern: 21, 22, 23 follow the same 1 to 9 pattern as before.
Try an example: 21, 19, 22, 20
Count on from 19: 19, 20, 21, 22.
Show the answer
19, 20, 21, 22
What to look out for
Saying "twenty-ten" after 29 After 29 comes 30. Say the tens together: 10, 20, 30.
Practise away from the screen
- Use two hands to show doubles: 2 and 2, 3 and 3.
- Pair socks from the washing and ask if any are left over.
- Count steps or jumps past 20 on a walk.
Curriculum connections
These games support selected practice connected to the Numerical Patterns early learning goal in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework for England. The goals describe what children are expected to know and do by the end of Reception. A game offers a few playful examples; it does not assess a goal.
Questions families ask
Where should we start with numerical patterns?
Start with Is it a double?. Look at the worked example together, then try a round. If the task feels unfamiliar, use the full game guide or its free printable before trying again.
Does this cover everything taught at this level?
No. These games give short, playful practice. Reception learning is mostly hands-on play, talk and stories, so use the games alongside those, not instead of them.