At a Glance
This chipmunk and acorn counting game is a hands-on math center for preschool and kindergarten learners working with numbers 1 to 10. Children count the acorns on each card, match them to the chipmunk holding the right number, then put the whole set in order. The format builds counting, number recognition, one-to-one correspondence and number sequencing.
If you’re looking for a playful way to build those early number skills, this Chipmunk Counting and Ordering Game is a lovely little choice.
With 10 number cards featuring a cute chipmunk and 10 matching acorn quantity cards, your children get to count, match, and order the numbers in a hands-on, visual way.
And this game is pretty easy to prepare (just print off and cut up) and can help your children develop those important counting, number recognition and ordering skills.
When your children are using this woodland animal activity, you can encourage them by asking some questions, such as “what number of acorns does that little chipmunk want?” and “how many acorns do you think you’ll need to find next?”
So why not grab this lovely little number game and help nurture their little mathematical minds?
If you’re looking for other ways to also help improve your child’s counting skills you may also want to check out these cool printable counting activities.
What Skills Can Your Children Learn And Practice?
When using this counting game, your children will have the chance to practice and develop some early math skills such as:
- Number recognition – the ability to recognize a number in its written form
- One to one correspondence – this important skill (trickier than you may think) is the ability to only touch and count an object of a set once
- Number Sequencing – the ability to understand the sequence of numbers, and be able to put them in the correct order
- Number sense – the ability to visualize numbers and understand relationships between numbers
- Fine motor skills – they will have to use a good pincer grip to pick up the cards
- Hand-eye coordination – to ensure they can move and line up the pieces
How To Prepare This Chipmunk and Acorn Counting Game
This one’s pretty straight forward!
First you’re going to want to download the game by clicking on the button at the bottom of the page.
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Once you’ve downloaded it, you’ll need to print it off onto paper or card.
You just need to cut out all the chipmunk and acorn cards. Then just lay all the pieces out on the table or floor and see if your little learners can carefully count the acorns and match them with the correct squirrel before putting the all in order!
I often laminate the pieces so that I can pull them out and use them again.
After that you’re all done!
Your children are ready to start developing their number recognition, counting and ordering skills.
Some Other Ways You Could Use This Activity
Go on a Counting Walk
Lay the acorn cards around the room and keep the chipmunk number cards with you. Choose one at random and call out the number and children have to walk and stand by the correct acorn group.
Turn It Into a “What Comes Next?” Game
Give children a partial sequence (for example 3, 4, 5) and ask them to find the card that would come next.
Use It as a Build-Up to Writing
After your little ones match a pair, ask them to trace or write the number on a whiteboard or in the air using their finger.
Pair With Real Objects
Add real counters, blocks, or even collected acorns and let children recreate the acorn quantities physically.
However you use it, this preschool number sense game is a simple way to help your young learners make sense of numbers 1–10 – great for building those strong early math foundations.
Enjoy and let’s nurture those neurons!
