Find the Missing Numbers Worksheet

Kids can count smoothly one minute and stall when a number disappears from the trail. This Find the Missing Numbers page gives four short five-number trails within 3 to 10. They fill the blanks in order, then look at a simple addition or subtraction number sentence with one missing number.

For many six-year-olds in kindergarten, this is a good next step after counting objects and recognizing numerals to 10. The goal is not speed. It is noticing counting order, checking the number before a blank, and saying what should come next.

The number trails give a clear path to follow from left to right. Ask, “What number comes before the blank?” or “What number comes after this one?” The short addition and subtraction facts add a second kind of practice, finding the missing number in a small number sentence without making the page feel crowded.

Sit together for the first trail and let them point as they count. If the number sentence feels like too much at first, finish the trail, then return to the fact. When this feels comfortable, try the next whole number worksheet to keep practicing what comes after a number, or use the find the missing numbers worksheet for another round of filling blanks in number order.