Number Cards 1–20: The Essential Flashcard Trick to Help Kids Learn Numbers Faster
Turn number cards 1 20 into a quick, fun game on your phone using Flashrecall. Ditch boring printables, add dots, pics, and smart review in minutes.
How Flashrecall app helps you remember faster. It's free
- Turn simple 1–20 number cards into a powerful learning game your kid will actually enjoy.
Why Number Cards 1–20 Are Secretly Powerful
Number cards 1–20 seem super basic, but they’re actually one of the best tools for helping kids:
- Recognize numbers quickly
- Understand “how many” each number means
- Get ready for adding, subtracting, and counting in school
The only catch? Kids get bored fast with plain paper cards.
That’s where using a flashcard app like Flashrecall makes this way more fun, more interactive, and honestly… easier for you too.
You can grab it here:
👉 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flashrecall-study-flashcards/id6746757085
Let’s walk through how to use number cards 1–20 in a smart way—and how to upgrade them from paper to powerful digital flashcards.
Step 1: Start Simple – What Are Number Cards 1–20?
Number cards 1–20 are just cards with:
- The number (1, 2, 3… 20)
- Sometimes the word (one, two, three…)
- Sometimes dots or pictures showing the quantity
They help kids connect:
> The symbol (5) → the word (“five”) → the amount (•••••)
You can totally use paper cards, but:
- They get lost
- They get bent or destroyed
- You can’t easily shuffle or reorder them
- You can’t track what your kid already knows
That’s why a digital version inside Flashrecall is such a win: easy to make, easy to reuse, and way more flexible.
Step 2: Turn Number Cards 1–20 Into Flashcards in Flashrecall
With Flashrecall, you can create your 1–20 number set in a few minutes.
Flashrecall works on iPhone and iPad, is free to start, and is built exactly for this kind of thing:
👉 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flashrecall-study-flashcards/id6746757085
Here are a few easy ways to create number cards:
Option A: Type Them Manually (Super Simple)
1. Open Flashrecall
2. Create a new deck: “Numbers 1–20”
3. For each card:
- Front: `5`
- Back: `five` or `five – •••••`
You can even add a short hint like:
> “Show me with your fingers!”
Option B: Use Images (Perfect for Younger Kids)
If you already have printed number cards or a worksheet:
1. Take a photo of the sheet or cards
2. Import the image into Flashrecall
3. Flashrecall can automatically turn images into flashcards
4. You can then edit the cards if you want (add words, hints, etc.)
This is great if you’ve downloaded printable 1–20 cards online but don’t want to keep reprinting or cutting them out.
Option C: Let Flashrecall Help You Build Them
You can also just type a prompt like:
> “Create flashcards to teach numbers 1 to 20 to a 5-year-old. Show the number on the front and the word plus dots on the back.”
Flashrecall can help generate the content, and you just tweak it to match your kid’s level.
Step 3: Use Active Recall (Not Just “Look and Repeat”)
Most people use number cards like this:
Flashrecall automatically keeps track and reminds you of the cards you don't remember well so you remember faster. Like this :
> Show the card → say the number → kid repeats it.
That’s okay, but you’ll get way better results with active recall—making your kid guess first.
With Flashrecall, each card naturally works like this:
1. Show the front: `13`
2. Ask: “What number is this?”
3. Kid answers: “Thirteen!”
4. Flip the card to check
Or flip it:
- Front: `thirteen`
- Back: `13`
You can mix in quantity too:
- Front: `••••`
- Back: `4 – four`
Flashrecall is built around this active recall method by default, so you don’t have to set anything special—it just works this way.
Step 4: Let Spaced Repetition Do the Heavy Lifting
Here’s what usually happens with paper number cards:
- Day 1: You practice 1–20
- Day 2: You forget
- Day 5: You realize you haven’t practiced
- Day 10: You’re basically starting over
Flashrecall fixes this with built-in spaced repetition and auto reminders:
- Cards your kid knows well show up less often
- Tricky numbers (like 11, 12, 13, 15, 17…) show up more often
- You get study reminders so you don’t forget to review
This way, your kid doesn’t have to drill all 20 numbers every time. They just see what they need, when they need it.
No planning, no schedules, just open the app and go.
Step 5: Make It a Game, Not a Test
Kids learn way better when it feels like a game. Here are a few fun ways to use your 1–20 flashcards in Flashrecall:
1. “Find the Number” Challenge
- You show the word: “sixteen”
- Kid has to say the number: 16
- Bonus: Ask them to clap 16 times or find 16 small objects around them (if you’re feeling patient!)
2. Speed Round
- Set a timer for 2 minutes
- See how many cards they can get right
- Try to beat their own score next time
3. Mix Quantities
Create cards like:
- Front: `•••••••`
- Back: `7 – seven`
Or even:
- Front: image of 9 apples
- Back: `9 – nine`
Flashrecall lets you add images, text, and even audio, so you can:
- Record yourself saying the number
- Add fun pictures
- Use the same deck for reading, counting, and listening
Step 6: Use Audio for Pronunciation (Great for ESL or Bilingual Kids)
If your kid is learning English numbers as a second language (or you’re raising them bilingual), audio helps a lot.
In Flashrecall you can:
- Record your voice saying “seventeen”
- Put that on the back of the card
- Let your kid tap to hear and repeat
You can also create cards like:
- Front: audio of “fourteen”
- Back: `14`
This helps them connect the sound with the symbol.
Step 7: Ask Questions With “Chat With the Flashcard”
One cool thing Flashrecall does that paper cards never could:
You can chat with the flashcard if you’re unsure or want extra help.
For example, if you’re building a more advanced numbers deck later (like multiplication or number words in another language), you can:
- Ask the card for an explanation
- Get examples
- Get help turning a concept into a kid-friendly explanation
It’s like having a built-in tutor inside your flashcards.
Why Use Flashrecall Instead of Just Paper Number Cards?
Here’s the honest comparison:
Paper Number Cards 1–20
- Simple
- Cheap
- Easy to start
- Get lost or damaged
- Hard to track progress
- No reminders
- No audio, no images unless you print them
- You have to plan the practice yourself
Number Cards 1–20 in Flashrecall
- Works on iPhone and iPad
- Free to start
- Spaced repetition built in (automatic smart review)
- Active recall by default
- Add images, audio, text, PDFs, YouTube links
- You can make flashcards manually or from images/notes
- Study reminders so you don’t forget
- Works offline (perfect for car rides, waiting rooms, travel)
- You can chat with the flashcard to learn more or get explanations
- Scales easily from “1–20” to math, languages, school subjects, exams, anything
- You need a phone or tablet (but you probably already have one)
If you’re going to be practicing numbers regularly anyway, it just makes sense to use a tool that does the boring parts for you.
Ideas for Growing Beyond 1–20
Once your kid is solid with 1–20, you can keep using Flashrecall to build on that:
- 20–50: Same style, just more numbers
- Even and odd numbers
- Skip counting: 2, 4, 6, 8… or 5, 10, 15, 20…
- Simple addition:
- Front: `9 + 4`
- Back: `13`
- Number words in another language (Spanish, French, etc.)
Because Flashrecall is great for languages, exams, school subjects, university, medicine, business—basically anything, you’re not just making a one-off number deck. You’re building a tool your kid (or you) can keep using for years.
How to Get Started in 5 Minutes
Here’s a quick setup plan:
1. Download Flashrecall on your iPhone or iPad:
👉 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flashrecall-study-flashcards/id6746757085
2. Create a new deck: “Numbers 1–20”
3. Add cards:
- Front: `1` → Back: `one – •`
- Front: `2` → Back: `two – ••`
- … up to 20
4. Turn on notifications so you get gentle study reminders
5. Do a 5-minute session with your kid each day
That’s it. No printing, no laminating, no losing cards under the couch.
Final Thoughts
Number cards 1–20 are a small thing, but they’re a big deal for early math.
You can absolutely do this with paper—but if you want:
- Less hassle
- Smarter review
- Built-in reminders
- Audio, images, and explanations
- And a tool that grows with your kid (or you) beyond just numbers…
Then moving your 1–20 cards into Flashrecall is a no-brainer.
Try it out and turn those simple number cards into a powerful little learning system:
👉 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flashrecall-study-flashcards/id6746757085
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the fastest way to create flashcards?
Manually typing cards works but takes time. Many students now use AI generators that turn notes into flashcards instantly. Flashrecall does this automatically from text, images, or PDFs.
Is there a free flashcard app?
Yes. Flashrecall is free and lets you create flashcards from images, text, prompts, audio, PDFs, and YouTube videos.
What's the most effective study method?
Research consistently shows that active recall combined with spaced repetition is the most effective study method. Flashrecall automates both techniques, making it easy to study effectively without the manual work.
How can I improve my memory?
Memory improves with active recall practice and spaced repetition. Flashrecall uses these proven techniques automatically, helping you remember information long-term.
What should I know about Number?
Number Cards 1–20: The Essential Flashcard Trick to Help Kids Learn Numbers Faster covers essential information about Number. To master this topic, use Flashrecall to create flashcards from your notes and study them with spaced repetition.
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Research References
The information in this article is based on peer-reviewed research and established studies in cognitive psychology and learning science.
Cepeda, N. J., Pashler, H., Vul, E., Wixted, J. T., & Rohrer, D. (2006). Distributed practice in verbal recall tasks: A review and quantitative synthesis. Psychological Bulletin, 132(3), 354-380
Meta-analysis showing spaced repetition significantly improves long-term retention compared to massed practice
Carpenter, S. K., Cepeda, N. J., Rohrer, D., Kang, S. H., & Pashler, H. (2012). Using spacing to enhance diverse forms of learning: Review of recent research and implications for instruction. Educational Psychology Review, 24(3), 369-378
Review showing spacing effects work across different types of learning materials and contexts
Kang, S. H. (2016). Spaced repetition promotes efficient and effective learning: Policy implications for instruction. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 3(1), 12-19
Policy review advocating for spaced repetition in educational settings based on extensive research evidence
Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger, H. L. (2008). The critical importance of retrieval for learning. Science, 319(5865), 966-968
Research demonstrating that active recall (retrieval practice) is more effective than re-reading for long-term learning
Roediger, H. L., & Butler, A. C. (2011). The critical role of retrieval practice in long-term retention. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 15(1), 20-27
Review of research showing retrieval practice (active recall) as one of the most effective learning strategies
Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving students' learning with effective learning techniques: Promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4-58
Comprehensive review ranking learning techniques, with practice testing and distributed practice rated as highly effective

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