A color by number page turns a list of calculations into a game: every right answer gives a color, and a hidden picture slowly appears. This article explains how the pages work and what math they practise at each age, with real pages made with the free color by number generator.
How a color by number with math works
Each square of a 12 x 12 grid has a number or a calculation. The child works out the answer, finds that number in the key, and colors the square with the matching color. A pixel picture appears when everything is colored.
The math at each age
| Age | In each square |
|---|---|
| 4-6 | A number; the colors of the key are in order (1, 2, 3…) |
| 6-7 | Additions |
| 7-8 | Additions and subtractions up to 20 |
| 8-9 | Multiplication |
| 9-10 | Division |
| 10-11 | The four operations with larger numbers |
At ages 8-9, the page is a good way to practise the times tables: the child repeats many multiplications without the feeling of doing a test.
The answer key is the picture
The answer key shows the finished picture. Keep it for the end: it is the surprise, and it also lets the child check the work. A square of the wrong color shows at once where a calculation went wrong.
Tip
Color pencils work better than markers for the small squares of the older levels.
Tips
Color one color at a time
Look for all the squares of one color first. It is faster than changing pencils at every square.
Write the answer first, color after
For the older levels, the child can write the answer lightly in each square before coloring.
Mix with other math games
For another way to practise the same operations, try a math maze. For calculations without pictures, see the math worksheets by age.
Questions
What is a color by number math worksheet?
A grid where each square has a calculation. The answer is a number, and the key says which color goes with each number. When every square is colored, a picture appears.
Which ages can use it?
The LogikLand generator goes from ages 4-5 to 10-11 (Pre-K to Grade 5). Up to ages 5-6 the squares only have numbers.
Where do the pictures come from?
They are pixel pictures drawn for LogikLand on a 12 x 12 grid. The calculations are drawn again for every page.
Is there an answer key?
Yes: the colored picture. The PDF has the worksheet and its answer.
Related articles
- Handwriting Practice Worksheets: From Tracing to Cursive
Four steps of handwriting practice for ages 3 to 11, with real tracing and cursive worksheets.
- How to Teach a Child to Tell Time, Step by Step
The steps of learning the clock, from o’clock times at age 5 to every minute and elapsed time at age 11.
- Free Math Worksheets for Kids by Age (4 to 11)
A level-by-level guide to kids math worksheets, from counting dots at age 4 to long division at age 11.
Sources
This article is based on LogikLand's own puzzle generators.
Want to make a whole kids workbook?
LogikLand makes complete educational workbooks for ages 3 to 11: math, telling time, handwriting, word games, colouring, money, logic and picture activities, with the answer key at the end. Commercial rights come with the PRO and EXPERT plans.
Related: All blog articles | Try the tool | More Kids worksheets articles