Top 5 Small Group Counting Activities For Preschool

By Author: Nalanda Learning
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Let me ask you a quick question before we begin this blog: Do your preschool or pre-kindergarten students need assistance learning to count and developing number sense?

If you answered "YES!" you've come to the right place because that's exactly what I'm going to talk about today.
As you are aware, math is not for everyone. Some children struggle with it, while others find it super fun and easy, almost like a puzzle game.
The counting activities I'm sharing with you today, on the other hand, are an exception because they'll appeal to all of your preschool students having preschool lesson planner. They're entertaining and engaging, and they make math as simple as possible!

So, are you prepared?

Let’s dive in!
Small Group Counting Activities for Preschool
Have you ever attempted a small group activity with your students but found that they were uninterested? Instead, they're talking, fidgeting, or peering over their classmates' shoulders to see what they're up to.
Every good preschool teacher with study material for preschool understands that the best way to get children to ...
... pay attention is to use fun and playful methods. For instance, if your students aren't paying attention during circle time, all you have to do is break out the puppets and some songs. However, if they are not listening and paying attention during small group time, you have a serious problem. So, what are your options?

The first step is to ensure that your small groups are not competing with your free choice centers. If they are, you are fighting a losing battle and must change your strategy.

Another thing you can do is make your small group activities enjoyable and engaging. And that is exactly what we are discussing today!
Do you want to know what my super simple small group counting activities are? Continue reading!

Activity #1
One of my favourite counting activities of all time, this one is simple to set up and a lot of fun for the kids. Six small rubber ducks, a small bowl with a half-inch of water, and foam dice are all you need.
You can begin the activity once you have all of these items in a tray in front of you. Assemble your students in a small circle around the bowls and ducks. The kids will take turns rolling the dice, counting the ducks, and dropping them into the water bowl to "swim."

Activity #2
The second game in my counting activities is also very simple to put together. It takes very little preparation.
A basket of mini-erasers, foam dice, cups (I use small clear shot glasses from Target or Dixie cups), and gator grabbers are all you need.
Here's how the game works: After each student has received their own cup, have them roll the dice. Assume one of the kids rolled a four; they get four mini-erasers in their cup! After that, they can keep rolling, counting, and putting mini-erasers in the cup until the cup is empty. When the cup is full, they empty it and begin again!
This may appear overly simple, but trust me when I say that children adore it!

Activity #3
An ice cube tray game is the third activity. It only requires ice cube trays, foam dice, gator grabbers, and pom poms.
Each child in your small group receives his or her own ice cube tray. They begin by rolling the dice. If a student rolls a three, for example, they must fill the same number of ice cube tray slots with pom poms. When everyone has finished their tray, they can empty it and start over. If the pom poms become too monotonous, break out your colourful mini-erasers.

Activity #4
Counting activities can be exciting, as demonstrated by this game! You'll need an empty tissue box with an animal mouth on it, banana counters (or yellow pom poms if you don't have them), foam dice, and gator grabbers for this activity.

Your students will each roll the dice and feed the monkey the number of bananas that appears on the dice. During the game, you can also use a chant.

Students enjoy this game because it helps them develop number sense, one-to-one counting, and fine motor skills.

Activity #5
Teddy bear counters can be found in almost every early childhood classroom I've ever been in, visited, or seen online. They are usually found in the math centre. You can, however, use them for small group counting activities!

Here's everything you need to know: A small tub of teddy bears, paper bowls with a hole in the side (for our bear caves), and foam dice.
For a little extra fun, pair the game with a book about hibernating bears. But before you do that, let me show you how to play!
Your small group members will take turns rolling the dice. If one of them rolled a two, that means two teddy bears will enter the cave. You can keep playing until all of the bears have entered the caves.

Know more about Nalanda Learning Systems, please visit www.nalandalearning.org.