Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Counting Shamrocks {St. Patrick's Day Math Activity for Kids}

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J loves numbers, as you have probably noticed by now.  So I wanted to include some counting and easy math activities into our St. Patrick's Day fun.  Below are three different counting activities that use the same materials.

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Materials
  • 55 cardstock shamrocks (more if counting up to 20) - Foam ones would work too, but I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut the shamrocks out.
  • 10 small plastic containers (20 if counting up to 20) - I used individual serving sized applesauce containers.
  • Permanent marker
Cardstock shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day from And Next Comes L

Option #1: Recognizing Numerals
Use the permanent marker to label the bottom of the applesauce containers from 1-10 (you can also do up to 20 like I did).  Line up the containers and place the shamrocks nearby.  Encourage your child to count the correct number of shamrocks into each cup.

Counting shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day from And Next Comes L

Counting shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day from And Next Comes L

Option #2: Recognizing the Written Form
Use the permanent marker to label the bottom of ten applesauce containers using the written form for numbers 1-10 (e.g., one, two, three, etc.).  J has been able to read these words for quite awhile now, so I figured it would be a good activity to try out.  Line up the containers and place the shamrocks nearby.  Encourage your child to count the correct number of shamrocks into each cup.

J counting from And Next Comes L

Option #3: Counting Without the Containers
Encourage your child to count the individual shamrocks to as high as they would like to go.  J was not feeling well when we did this activity so he stopped at a much lower number than is usual for him.  However, this activity is great for helping your child learn the correct number order.

I have so many other activities planned for these numbered applesauce containers.  I can't wait to try them out with the boys.  Also, if you prefer the pot-of-gold image, you could easily substitute plastic gold coins and black pots for this activity.

Other Ideas You'll Love

Pot of Gold Fine Motor Sensory Play

Easy Shamrock Suncatcher Craft

St. Patrick's Day Sensory Bin

Counting shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day - three different variations in this simple math activity from And Next Comes L