In kindergarten, we spend a lot of our time working with numbers. From the first day of school until the last, you can bet we’re talking about numbers or counting in some capacity each and every day. In my room, I’m a big fan of using fun and engaging, seasonal activities to keep things feeling fun. Come along as I share some of my favorite spring counting games for kindergarten!
Over the years, I’ve found that my kiddos need LOTS of practice to become fully independent with number recognition, counting 1-10, writing numbers, graphing, and comparing. If you’re not careful, all that constant practice can get a little boring. Keep things fresh and fun in your classroom with counting games all year long.
The Benefits of Counting Games
If you know me, you likely already know how much I love to use games in the classroom. I teach kindergarten and I’m a huge fan of focusing my attention on small group time to enhance learning and provide support. Because of this, I believe in teaching children how to be independent with centers and games so that I can work with kiddos 1:1 and in small groups with ease.
Part of teaching children to be independent relies on choosing activities that are highly engaging to your students. When it comes to kindergarten, this means games! The mere mention of a learning game is enough to excite any 5-year-old student and instantly snag their attention.
When it comes to teaching counting, number recognition, graphing, and writing numbers games are a no-brainer.
Since these skills require lots and lots of practice, choosing fun games is a great way to get plenty of learning time in, without boring your kiddos. Ready to see my favorites for springtime? Let’s jump in!
My Favorite Spring Counting Games
When it comes to choosing games that are meaningful and effective for kindergarten, I like to keep in mind that independence is the goal. The more children that are able to work independently, the more I am able to circulate the room and assist 1:1. With that in mind, the games I lean towards use familiar skills like counting and tallying as well as kid-friendly tools like crayons and clothespins.
These Spring Counting Games focus on numbers 1-10 and are perfect for small groups, centers, independent work, and even homework! My counting games come in 2 options to suit a variety of classroom needs. The color version is great for printing out and laminating. You can use these mats with dry-erase markers and fun, spring counters. The black and white version is ideal for a “print-and-go” activity. Since these are so versatile, we will often use them more than once throughout the season.
1. I Spy – Spring Counting Games
First up, let’s work on those counting and writing skills! This game asks students to look at a box of pictures and count them up.
As they count, they will make tally marks to show how many there are of each picture and then write the number.
There are 3 different pictures on each game board, so students will need to look closely to count accurately! If you use the color version of the mats, I recommend laminating them and having your kiddos use dry-erase markers.
The black and white version is perfect for crayons or markers. I like to send extra copies of the black and white version home as homework for extra practice.
2. I Spy – Spring Graphing Games
Next up this game is similar to the counting mats, except instead of using tally marks, students will fill in a graph.
Children will count the pictures they see and color one square on a graph for each one.
The black and white version is perfect for center time. Simply provide your kiddos with crayons and allow them to color in the boxes.
I like to encourage my students to color each picture a different color to help them keep track of what they’ve counted.
The color version of these game boards is a fun activity for your small group sessions. I like to laminate them and have students use mini erasers to fill in the graph. This is a great warm activity to use with your group!
3. Counting Clip Card Game
Do your kiddos need practice with fine motor skills? Mine too! That’s why I love these counting clip cards.
To play, students will choose a card, count the pictures on it and clip the correct number. Students get to practice counting, while also strengthening those hand muscles!
Alternatively, you can also use the black and white set with crayons and have the kiddos color or place a stick on the correct number.
Either option is a fun way to incorporate fine motor skills with practice.
4. Practice Pages
My final option isn’t exactly a game, but the concepts on these practice pages tie into what students have been working on, so I’m including it here!
I’m a big fan of using print-and-go worksheets as a supplement to our games.
During center time or independent practice, these come in handy as a way to get extra practice without any prep.
These practice pages focus on number recognition and counting from 1-10.
They also utilize skills like writing, coloring, and cutting with scissors, so they’re perfect for kindergarteners!
Adding Digital Counting Games to the Mix
Another fun way to boost engagement is to switch up the format of your lessons. My Spring Counting Games also come in a digital Boom card option. The Boom Cards focus on the same concepts through engaging, interactive practice.
I like to use Boom Cards as an option for technology centers, assigned as homework, or as a distance learning activity.
Boom Cards are great since they are self-checking and provide immediate feedback to the student. There are also options to track progress, so you can check in on how your students are progressing with each skill.
Aside from using these on a tablet or computer, you can also project them on a Smartboard. This makes for a super engaging, whole-group activity that your students will LOVE!
I like to use this method towards the end of the day as a final review. If you’re interested in using digital options along with your printable games, be sure to check out the Spring Games Print and Digital Bundle.
Counting Games All Year Long
Counting games aren’t just for spring, though! In my classroom, I love to use thematic teaching and seasonal activities all year long. By choosing games that tie into the seasons or upcoming holidays, you can ensure that your lessons will feel fresh month after month, even if you’re practicing the same skills. Not to mention it’s a great way to boost engagement even further!
After all, what kiddo doesn’t love holiday and seasonal themed games?! Here are some of the fun games we use throughout the year in my classroom to keep the learning rolling:
- Winter Counting Games
- St. Patrick’s Day Counting Games
- Valentine’s Day Counting Games
- Easter Counting Games
Each of these counting game sets uses the same familiar format to help promote independence. But, since each set uses a different holiday or seasonal theme, these will feel like brand new, fun games to your students each and every month! Swap these activities out in your math centers or small groups to help your students master numbers 1-10 in a fun way.
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