Bring to life the abstract idea of counting by making it concrete with our counting objects task cards! 

Counting Objects To 20 With Task Cards

Students will count the number of objects in each collection and then write the total on the included recording sheet. 

Through this activity, students will show they can say number names in their standard order, pairing each object with its number name. It also reinforces that the last number said indicates the number of things counted, regardless of their arrangement or the order in which they are counted.

An answer sheet is included with your download so students can self-check their work. 

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

Challenge fast finishers who already understand the concept to order the cards from least to greatest or greatest to least when complete. 

Support students who need help understanding the concepts by covering each picture with a  manipulative or another concrete object as students are counting. 

More Ways To Use Task Cards For Counting Practice

This resource was created to be used in your math center as an independent practice. You can also use it for learning opportunities for small groups and full-class instruction for scoot activities, lesson reviews, formative assessments, and more.

🛴 Scoot Activity

Place the cards around the room in numerical order and give each student a recording sheet. Assign each student a number to start. Give students an appropriate amount of time to count the items and record their answers. Then say, “SCOOT.” At this time, the students will rotate to the next card. Continue in this manner until students have made it through all of the cards. 

☀️ Warm-Up or Exit Activity

Display one card at a time on a document camera. Students work independently or in groups to answer the task card. Provide students with a sticky note to turn in their answers as a formative assessment, making sure to write their name on it (or use our Sticky Note Printing Guide + Template).

🗂️ Scavenger Hunt

Hide the task cards around the room when your students are not around. Then, hand each student a recording sheet and set them loose! As soon as they find a card, they count the items and record their answer in the appropriate box. Students leave the card in the same spot they found it and then find the others.

NOTE: You may want to make a rule of only 1 student at a card at one time. If not, things could get a little crazy! 🤪

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. 

Keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks: cut out the cards and punch a hole in each corner to place them on a binder ring. 

Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves to turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker then erase and reuse.

Because this activity includes an answer sheet, we recommend printing one copy of the entire file first. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete. 

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

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This resource was created by Allie Kleijnjans, a teacher in Pennsylvania and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

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You can count on us for more counting to 20 resources!