I was browsing in the Target Dollar Spot for absolutely nothing in particular when I spotted bags of rainbow candy cane mini-erasers. There they were, 60 erasers for one dollar! What a bargain! I couldn’t resist.
From an unexpected bag of mini candy cane erasers to two free candy cane counting activities for you!
Candy Cane Counting Grids
Counting grids are a great opportunity for preschoolers and kindergarteners to develop and practice subitizing and numeral recognition skills, along with one-to-one correspondence for counting objects. This easy to prepare partner activity uses dice (1-6) or spinners (1-3) for counting to 20 or 30.
The focus can be counting to 3, counting to 6, counting to 20, or counting to 30. Use a die with pips or the spinner with candy canes for subitizing. Try a die or the spinner with numbers for numeral recognition. Focus on comparing quantities by asking “Who has the most/ fewest?”
Let’s Get Ready
- Prepare two copies of a counting grid for each pair of students. Choose color or black/ gray/ white, 20 or 30 spaces. Print on card stock and laminate for durability.
- Provide one die (pips or numbers) or one spinner for each pair of students. Print spinners on card stock, laminate, and cut. Use purchased spinner hands; a pencil and paperclip; or a brad and paperclip to spin.
- Give each pair of students 40 or 60 counters. Use any counter that fits the space. Try mini-erasers, buttons, pompoms, or gems.
Let’s Play
- Spin the spinner or roll the die.
- Count and collect the corresponding number of counters.
- Place the counters on your grid starting with the first space.
- Take turns with your partner.
- After every turn or two, ask “How many do you have?” and “Who has the most/ fewest?” Simply omit these steps with children who are not ready.
- The activity is over when one student has filled the grid.
Candy Cane Number Cards
Use this set of color only round number cards, 1-20, to create counting activities. Teen numbers can be shown as the total quantity or as ten plus a number.
Simply print, laminate, and cut. Glue dots are perfect to affix the number cards to red or festive treat cups, drinking cups, and plastic or paper plates.
Provide a supply of appealing counters such as mini erasers, mini candy canes, round peppermint candies, pompoms, buttons, or candy cane ornaments made with pipe cleaners and pony beads. It’s as easy as that!
Read the original blog post about these candy cane counting activities, and more, at Just Ask Judy.
Click the highlighted words to download your free Candy Cane Counting resource from my TpT store!
Candy cane photo in title image is by Yulia Furman.
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