Number Fishing
Each fish carries a number and your child catches exactly the one that's asked for.
Recommended age: 3 to 5 yearsWhat the game is about
In Number Fishing, fish appear one after another, each with a number on it. The target number is shown at the top and your child moves the net with a finger or the mouse to catch exactly that fish during a 45-second round. Each correct fish adds points, celebrated with a little "+1" that floats up the screen.
The game combines two skills: recognizing a written number and finding it among others that are moving. That makes it a step beyond the cards in Learn and Play: it's not enough to know which number it is, you also have to spot it quickly.
Rounds are short and always end with stars, so kids want to play again.
How to play, step by step
- Look at the number at the top: that's the fish to catch.
- Find the fish with that number.
- Move your finger or the mouse to bring the net to that fish and catch it.
- Each correct fish adds points; then a new number appears.
- When time runs out, see how many stars you earned.
What your child learns
- Recognizing written numbers. Identifying how each number from 1 to 10 is written.
- Selective attention. Finding one specific item among similar ones that are moving.
- Coordination. Catching a moving object.
- Matching digits and names. Connecting the number you see with the one you say.
What to expect at each age
| Age | What is typical |
|---|---|
| Age 3 | Recognizes a few numbers, especially 1, 2 and their own age; needs the number read aloud. |
| Age 4 | Identifies most numbers 1 to 10 and starts playing alone. |
| Age 5 | Recognizes numbers quickly and tries to beat their score. |
How to play together
Read the target number out loud and look for it together. When your child finds it, ask them to say the number before catching it. That small step of saying it aloud strengthens the link between the digit and its name.
To give the number meaning, connect it to an amount: "Three. Show me three fingers!"
Take it off the screen
- Make a home fishing game: card stock fish with numbers and a paper clip, plus a rod with a magnet.
- Look for numbers outside: house numbers, license plates, the elevator, prices at the market.
- Write numbers on cups and have your child put that many dried beans or buttons inside.
- Play hopscotch with numbers 1 to 10 drawn on the ground.
Frequently asked questions
My child mixes up 6 and 9. Is that normal?
Yes, it's very common at this age. With practice and patience the difference becomes clear.
Which numbers appear?
1 to 10, the right range for preschool.
Is it better than Count and Tap?
They complement each other: Count and Tap works on quantity, Number Fishing on recognizing written numbers.
Parent tip
If your child still mixes up similar numbers like 6 and 9, that's normal at this age. With practice and patience they'll sort it out; avoid turning it into a test.
Further reading
- Learning to count through play: from reciting numbers to understanding amounts
- Screen time for preschoolers: practical guidelines for families