When we teach students how to count, they learn to assign a number to whatever they are counting, and that the last number said is the total. 

So when you think about it, counting is a lot more than just knowing your numbers. 

Through this activity, students show they can count 1-10 items in sequence, 1 number per item, demonstrating that the last count indicates how many items were counted regardless of the order.  

How to Play Our Counting to 10 Game

Use this resource in your math center, as a small group activity, or a whole class exercise (see below) to practice counting objects to 10 and pairing each object with its number name. 

To play, shuffle the cards and lay them all face down in the center of the playing area.  Students will take turns flipping 2 cards to look for matching pairs of objects and digits. The player who finds a match keeps the cards and takes another turn. If the cards aren’t a matching digit and number of objects, turn the cards back over in their spot and move on to the next player. Continue until there are no more cards left in the playing area. The player with the most matches in the end wins!

Scaffolding + Extension Tips

Challenge students who already understand the concept to choose a card and provide a number that is greater than or less than (directed by the teacher) than the number. 

Support students who need help understanding the concepts with manipulatives like counters or connecting cubes, and have them place one on each picture as they count. 

More Ways to Play Counting to 10 Games

Use this resource as independent practice for fast finishers, and for full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, formative assessments, and more.

🐟 Go Fish (Beginner)

It’s easy to turn these cards into a game of Go Fish! Shuffle the cards and pass out 7 to each player. The remaining cards go in the center of the play area. Taking turns, players ask each other for matches: looking for the object card that matches the number in their hand, or vice versa. 

🖍️ Draw It! Warm-Up/Exit Game (Intermediate)

This activity can also be used as a formative assessment. Project a number card and have students draw their own set of objects that represent the digit shown. 

🧑‍🏫 Show Me! (Advanced)

Give each student a mini dry-erase board and a dry-erase marker. Project an object card and have students count and write the number of objects on their whiteboards. When everyone has written down their answers, say, “Show Me.” Students will flip their boards, allowing you to see who needs extra support with this skill.

Get our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies here! 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 

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This resource was made in collaboration with Heather Chambers, a teacher in Texas and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

 

You can count on us for more counting activities! 

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