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 and match them to the chipmunk holding the right number. The early math game builds counting, number recognition, one-to-one correspondence and subitizing, with a cute woodland animal theme.
If you’re looking for a calm, hands-on way to help your little learners practise counting, this Chipmunk and Acorn Counting Game could be great!
Children count the acorns on each card and match them to the chipmunk that is holding the matching number. It’s a simple but meaningful way to build early number sense through play.
As your children count, it’s a great chance to share a little woodland fact: chipmunks collect and store acorns and other nuts and seeds to help them survive through colder months.
This activity supports early counting from 1 to 10, number recognition, and one-to-one correspondence.
It’s easy to set up as a maths centre or small-group activity and fits beautifully into woodland themes, fall learning, or early maths practice any time of year.
What Skills Can Your Children Learn And Practice?
When playing this cute math game, your children will have the chance to practice and develop skills such as:
- Counting skills – they’ll have to count the acorns carefully to ensure they are matching it to the correct number card
- Number recognition – they’ll need to be able to recognize the numbers to match them up correctly
- 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
- 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 place the cards together
How To Prepare This Chipmunk and Acorn Counting Game
This one’s pretty straight forward!
First you’re going to want to download the preschool math game by clicking on the download box at the bottom of the page.
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Once you’ve downloaded them, you’ll need to print the pages off onto paper or card.
Then, you can cut them out.
Once they’re all cut out, I’d strongly advise laminating them to keep them looking nice and so your little ones can play the game again.
After that you’re all done!
Your children are ready to start counting the acorns and practicing some key early math skills while their at it!
Some Other Ways You Could Use This Early Math Center…
Woodland Maths Centre
Set this up as a self-checking maths station. Your learners can work independently, counting and matching at their own pace.
Fall or Seasonal Learning
Use the game alongside books or discussions about autumn, trees, and animals preparing for winter. It’s a gentle way to blend maths and seasonal learning.
Fine Motor Extension
Add small counters, pebbles, or real acorns (if available) and let your children recreate the quantities, placing them on top of the printed acorns, before matching the number card.
Number Order Practice
Ask your learners to place the chipmunk cards in order from 1–10 before matching the acorns. This adds an extra layer of number sequencing and helps build that number sense!
Story Starter
Encourage your children to tell a simple story: “This chipmunk found 5 acorns and today…” A lovely way to link maths with early language skills.
However you use it, I hope your little learners enjoy counting, matching, and helping their chipmunk friends collect the right number of acorns!
Enjoy and let’s nurture those neurons!
