Numbers can be really exciting for our littlest learners…especially when they involve interesting activities and games!
I’m always looking for ways to connect what our students are learning to things that matter to them, like with games they play, counting coins, counting blocks, and even counting all of our friends in the classroom. With hands-on counting, they will build their number sense in a meaningful way.
Students get excited when we find things around us that have numbers or objects they are able to count. We find things around the classroom, playground, and even at home that can be turned into counting activities.
Our students are so amazed by the wonder of winter, from the holidays to the weather. They love talking about the snow, arctic animals, and reading our books all about winter.
Incorporating the winter seasons into playing math games is a great way to get children learning without realizing they’re learning.
We begin learning the concepts of number sense with our Snowman Number Match-Up because students enjoy learning their numbers with these snowy themed puzzle pieces. And we get creative with our math skills when our little learners make these adorable Penguin Number Craft and Counting Activity.
To further their learning with a winter theme students build their literacy skills with this Snowman Initial Sounds Match-Up.
And to connect numbers and winter together, I’ve created this Winter First to 20 Activity. We use this game to help our preschool and kindergarten students learn and review their number sense to build a strong foundation for more complex math skills.
When students learn to count using manipulatives, they are more prepared to understand the concepts behind the math problems.
Want even more activities using numbers for your students? Be sure to take a look at our Number Subitizing Match-Up Mega Bundle.
Inside You’ll Find:
- 3 different interactive mats, with snowflakes, snowmen, and penguins
- DIY number cube
I recommend you print this center on cardstock and laminate it so you can use this center year after year.
Supply list for Winter First to 20 Activity:
- paper or card stock
- laminating pouches
- laminator
- counters or winter-themed mini erasers
- Winter First to 20 Printable (scroll down to download!)
Using the Winter First to 20 Activity
This counting game is the perfect addition to your math centers.
To start the Winter First to 20 game students will pick the mat of their choice. Our little mathematicians will each roll the counting cube (or a die) to see who will start the game. The highest (or lowest) number goes first.
The first person will roll the counting cube. This student rolled the number “4” so she placed four counters on the mat.
To get this freebie, use the ‘click here to download’ button at the bottom of this page.
The next person will then roll the cube and place the corresponding counters on their mat. This student rolled the number “3”, then placed three counters on the mat. They will continue until the “winner” fills up their board to twenty.
If you have younger students or students struggling with this concept that might be overwhelmed, you can differentiate this activity and have them work in groups until they are able to master their counting skills.
To simplify things more and to build their confidence you may want to have kids practice filling their mats to twenty on their own before they play the game with other students or in groups.
Want More Winter Activity Ideas?
If you want to extend the winter theme across your curriculum, check out all of our Winter Learning Activities.
Download Your Winter First to 20 Activity Printable Below!
If you can’t find a resource that you would LOVE to have for your classroom, Contact me and I would be happy to make it for you.
Click the button below to download. You will immediately be redirected to the freebie.
Have fun counting and talking all about winter with our Winter First to 20 Activity in your classroom!
Jennifer
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