Christmas Tree Counting Cards and Number Hunt

One of my favorite activities to create are counting cards because there are so many ways to use them.  

We always start by hiding the cards around the room and then find thing them.  

Today we used our I spy... page and crossed off the ones we found. This is great for matching the numbers, becoming aware of number order, and overall recognizing numbers.  My kids are great at counting but actually knowing what all the numbers look like is another story so these activities really help.  

As they look for the numbers on their page I have them say the number. This is very helpful to assess what numbers they know and what they need to work on.

Some other ways to use these cards: 

1) put them in order from smallest to biggest

2) play what number is missing or what number comes next (we usually play with 4 or 5 cards.  Lay them down in order, have your little one close their eyes, hide one card.  Have them open their eyes and figure out which card is missing.

3) Add ornaments to the tree.  (aka m&ms, buttons, playdough, etc)  If the card has the number 5 place 5 ornaments/m&m's on the card.

4) Use them for writing practice with a salt tray or paper.

If you come up with some other ways to use them I'd love to know!

Download your counting cards and I spy page here

Adorable graphics use with permission from Krista Wallden - Creative Clips  and fonts by Hello Literacy.