If you’re anything like me, sometimes you need a quick independent activity (either at home or in the classroom!). In my preschool classroom, I have an assistant teacher with me for half of the morning. That means during the other half of the morning, it’s just me with twelve 3 year-olds. I still like to offer activities, like busy bags, that are super fun and packed with the skills that we have been focusing on in the classroom. Most of these activities have to be toddler and preschool friendly to allow all of my preschoolers to play with them independently.
This free printable set of number heart counting cards was created for these situations!
Maybe you need to help an older child with homework or get dinner started. Or maybe you need to work one on one with a student and are unable to give your other students 100% of your attention. Either way, grab this printable activity!
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Printable Heart Counting Cards
This set of counting cards includes the numbers 1-10. Each card includes 10 boxes (a ten frame) with hearts in some of the boxes. The number on the colored heart will be the same number of hearts in the ten frame.
The printable math cards are set up to encourage correct 1:1 correspondence while counting and working on number recognition. Instead of just filling up all of the boxes in the 10 frame with hearts, preschoolers will only fill the correct number. The heart cards are a self checking activity!
For this activity you’ll need to print out the number cards on cardstock (especially if you are not going to laminate them). Print, laminate, and cut apart. (Here’s the link to my favorite laminator!)
Now you’re ready to play!
Use candy hearts, pom poms, or acrylic heart counters (like these in the photos) to fill the correct number of boxes. In my classroom, it’s fun to use food during activities, but I do find that I have to toss candies or marshmallows in the garbage often. It’s so hard to not lick or taste them!
*Just remember that small counters can be a choking hazard for children who are still putting things in their mouths.*
Little learners will probably play with this busy bag activity a couple of different ways.
Some will just add hearts to the hearts in the boxes without much counting.
Some will count the hearts as they place them in the boxes to then identify the number in the colored heart.
Some will identify the number in the colored heart, count out that many counters, and then add them to the correct boxes.
Download the printable HEART COUNTING CARDS ——-> {HERE}
Find other great simple, low prep learning activities by following me on Pinterest!
Thank you for this activity! My girls are going to love this for our Valentine’s Theme!