Number Order Puzzles
Updated October 2026 · 8 free printables
Picture puzzles that teach number order: each page is a full-color picture cut into numbered strips. Kids cut along the dashed lines, mix up the strips and put the picture back together by putting the numbers in order.
Three easy 4-piece puzzles (1 to 4) suit preschool. Kindergarten puzzles have 10 strips: two count from 1 to 10 and three practice skip counting by 2s, 5s and 10s. Each puzzle shows a different picture.
All 8 Number Order Puzzles, One by One
Here is a closer look at every page in this collection, with who it's best for and a coloring idea for each one.
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1. Number Order Puzzle 1-4: Ladybug on a Leaf
A 4-piece number order puzzle with a smiling ladybug on a big leaf. The picture is cut into 4 strips numbered 1 to 4. Kids cut along the dashed lines, mix up the strips and rebuild the picture in number order. It is made for pre-K and preschool, roughly ages 4 to 5, with big pictures and one number per page.
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2. Number Order Puzzle 1-4: Sailboat
A 4-piece number order puzzle with a sailboat on the sea. The picture is cut into 4 strips numbered 1 to 4. Kids cut along the dashed lines, mix up the strips and rebuild the picture in number order. It is made for pre-K and preschool, roughly ages 4 to 5, with big pictures and one number per page.
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3. Number Order Puzzle 1-4: House and Apple Tree
A 4-piece number order puzzle with a little house with an apple tree. The picture is cut into 4 strips numbered 1 to 4. Kids cut along the dashed lines, mix up the strips and rebuild the picture in number order. Little ones can do most of it with crayons, and a grown-up can read the short questions aloud.
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4. Number Order Puzzle 1-10: Rocket in Space
A 10-piece number order puzzle with a rocket flying past a planet and the moon. The picture is cut into 10 strips numbered 1 to 10. Kids cut along the dashed lines, mix up the strips and rebuild the picture in number order. It suits ages 4 to 6, and little ones can count the pictures with a finger.
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5. Number Order Puzzle 1-10: Hot Air Balloons
A 10-piece number order puzzle with hot air balloons over green hills. The picture is cut into 10 strips numbered 1 to 10. Kids cut along the dashed lines, mix up the strips and rebuild the picture in number order. It suits ages 4 to 6, and little ones can count the pictures with a finger.
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6. Count by 2s Puzzle: Caterpillar Garden
A 10-piece number order puzzle with a long caterpillar in a tulip garden. The picture is cut into 10 strips numbered 2 to 20 (counting by 2s). Kids cut along the dashed lines, mix up the strips and rebuild the picture in number order. Big pictures and only a few tasks per page make it a gentle start for kindergartners. Say the row out loud to hear the pattern.
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7. Count by 5s Puzzle: Under the Sea
A 10-piece number order puzzle with a whale, fish and an octopus under the sea. The picture is cut into 10 strips numbered 5 to 50 (counting by 5s). Kids cut along the dashed lines, mix up the strips and rebuild the picture in number order. Big pictures and only a few tasks per page make it a gentle start for kindergartners. Say the row out loud to hear the pattern.
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8. Count by 10s Puzzle: Red Barn Farm
A 10-piece number order puzzle with a red barn, a tractor and farm animals. The picture is cut into 10 strips numbered 10 to 100 (counting by 10s). Kids cut along the dashed lines, mix up the strips and rebuild the picture in number order. Big pictures and only a few tasks per page make it a gentle start for kindergartners. Say the row out loud to hear the pattern.
Tips for coloring Number Order Puzzles
- Lay the strips out face up and find number 1 first, then look for the next number.
- Say the numbers out loud while placing the strips, especially for the skip counting puzzles.
- Slide the strips onto a sheet of paper and tape them in place when done to keep the picture.
Fun facts about Number Order Puzzles
- Putting numbers in order builds the mental number line that kids later use for adding and subtracting.
- Counting by 10s to 100 is a kindergarten standard in most US states.
- Strip puzzles are self-checking: if the picture looks right, the numbers are in the right order.
Fun ways to use your printables
- Flip the strips over and try to rebuild the picture from the numbers alone.
- Mix two puzzles together and sort the strips by picture first.
- Glue the finished puzzle on colored paper and hang it up as art.
How to print
Click Download PDF on any page and print it at 100% on US Letter or A4 paper. Use regular printer paper for crayons and pencils, or cardstock for markers and paint. Every page here is free for home, classroom and party use, so feel free to print as many copies as you need.
Frequently asked questions
How do number order puzzles work?
The numbers at the bottom of the strips are in order, so a child who puts 1, 2, 3, 4 side by side sees the picture appear. The picture checks the answer by itself.
Are these good for skip counting?
Yes. The count by 2s, 5s and 10s puzzles turn skip counting into a hands-on game, and the finished picture shows the sequence is right.
Can young kids cut the strips themselves?
The 4-piece puzzles have wide strips that are easy to cut. For the 10-piece puzzles a grown-up may want to do the cutting for younger children.
How do I make the puzzles last?
Print on card stock or laminate the page before cutting, then store each puzzle in an envelope or zip bag.