Odd and Even Numbers

Why Teach Odd and Even Numbers to Preschoolers?

Many parents feel that odd and even numbers sound too academic for preschoolers. In reality, this concept is much simpler than it appears and fits naturally into early number learning. When introduced playfully, it helps children understand how numbers work, rather than pushing them into formal maths too early.

Why Odd and Even Numbers Matter

At the preschool stage, children are learning patterns, grouping, and counting with meaning. Odd and even numbers support all three.

• They help children notice that numbers behave differently.

• They introduce the idea of pairing and sharing, which is a life skill.

• They build a foundation for later concepts like addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Don't make your child memorize any rules for learning about odd and even numbers. They just need to get used to seeing patterns in numbers.

Why It Is Not "Too Complex" for Young Children

Preschoolers already understand the idea of “pairs”. Two shoes. Two hands. Two biscuits to share.

Odd and even numbers simply build on this understanding:

• Even numbers can be paired with nothing left over.

• Odd numbers always have one extra.

When taught through objects and play, children grasp this intuitively, without needing definitions or worksheets.

Easy and Playful Ways to Teach Odd and Even Numbers

Here are simple, stress-free methods that work well at home:

1. Pairing Objects

Give your child buttons, stones, toys, or fruits.Ask them to make pairs.If one is left out, call it an “odd one”.

2. Snack Time Sharing

While sharing grapes or biscuits, ask: “Can we give two to everyone?”

If one remains, point it out naturally.

3. Body-Based Learning

Clap hands, stomp feet, or jump. Count together and check if movements form pairs.

4. Simple Number Lines

Write numbers 1 to 10. Circle numbers where pairs can be made easily.

5. Games and Puzzles

Use picture-based puzzles or early maths games that focus on grouping rather than calculation.

Odd and even numbers enhance the curiosity of a child and improve their capacity of noticing patterns.

Some children will understand quickly, others slowly. Both are normal. Just make sure to keep the learning playful and pressure-free, and your child will develop confidence in maths instead of fear.

This video shows you the easiest way I know to teach kindergarteners and above about odd and even numbers. The method is based on the concept of pairs of friends. The concept of even and odd should be taught when the child understands pairs and cardinality i.e., quantification rather than just learning a rote number sequence.

Of course, later, when the child reaches an appropriate age, the child can simply remember this concept - If the units digit (or digit in the ones place) is 1,3, 5, 7, or 9, then the number is called an odd number, and if the units digit is 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8, then the number is called an even number.

Interested in Maths worksheets for your child? Check out our Maths products for preschool kids.