Counting Cards 1-20: Dog Theme

Recommended Grade Level:

Preschool kindergarten

Type of Resource: PDF

Number of Pages: 23

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Coordinating Activities

Dog Counting Cards 1-20

20 color counting cards for numbers 1-20
20 black and white counting cards for numbers 1-20
Each card includes:
- A doghouse to fill with treats
- The number and the number word (one through twenty)
A directions page with prep and how-to-use tips

Cards print two per page. Cut them apart and choose the color set for a bright math center or the black and white set to save ink.

Required Materials:

Paper, Printer, Ink
Paper Cutter
Laminator (recommended so the cards last)
Small objects such as mini erasers, pom-poms or bone-shaped crackers

Standards for Counting and Cardinality

These dog cards support early math standards connected to counting objects, one-to-one correspondence, matching numbers to amounts and recognizing numerals to 20.

Common Core State Standards: Mathematics

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.4: Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities. Every card connects a numeral and number word with a set of objects.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.5: Count to answer “how many?” questions about as many as 20 things. Kids count out treats to match each card.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Mathematics

TEKS K.2A: Count forward and backward to at least 20 with and without objects. Kids count up as they work through the cards in order.
TEKS K.2B: Read, write and represent whole numbers from 0 to at least 20 with and without objects or pictures. Every card shows the numeral and number word. Kids build the matching amount.
TEKS K.2C: Count a set of objects up to at least 20 and show that the last number said tells how many are in the set. Kids count every treat on the doghouse to find how many.

Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning

K.NS.1.a: Use one-to-one correspondence to find how many are in a set. Kids place one treat at a time as they count.
K.NS.2.b: Build a set of objects to match a given numeral. Kids fill the doghouse with that many treats.

Dog Counting Cards 1-20 help preschool and kindergarten kids count objects, match numbers to amounts and recognize numbers 1-20 with a hands-on printable math activity.

Treats for the doghouse! Each card has a cozy doghouse waiting for a pile of goodies. Kids count out treats and stack them on the doghouse to match the number.

Every card shows a number from 1 to 20 and the number word. Kids read the number, count out that many mini erasers, pom-poms or bone-shaped crackers and place them on the doghouse one at a time.

Counting real objects onto a picture builds one-to-one correspondence and helps kids connect each numeral to the amount it stands for.

Want more puppy practice? The dog ten-frame cards show the same numbers on ten-frames and make a perfect match game with these cards.

Print the color set for centers or the black and white set to save ink. Laminate the cards and they’re ready for counting again and again.

How to Use Dog Counting Cards 1-20

Choose a card and read the number and number word together.
Count out that many treats, mini erasers or pom-poms.
Place one treat at a time on the doghouse, counting aloud, then check that the last number said matches the card.

Small Group: Give each child a card and a cup of treats. Everyone fills their doghouse and shares how many with the group. Pass the cards to the left and play again.

Independent Practice: Set the cards in a math center with a bowl of treats or counters. Kids work through the numbers in order or pick any card to read, count and fill.

Easy Ways to Differentiate These Counting Cards

Every group of kids has a mix of counting, number recognition and fine motor skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.

For Children Who Need More Support:

Start with numbers 1-5 and add more cards as counting becomes steady.
Touch and count each treat together.
Lay the cards out in order so kids can see the amount grow by one each time.
Use larger objects for kids who are still building hand strength.

For On-Level Practice:

Use all 20 cards in order.
Have kids say the number word after counting.
Fill the doghouse, then count again to check.
Have a partner count the treats to check the work.

For an Extra Challenge:

Mix up the cards and put them in order from 1 to 20.
Say a number and have kids find the matching card.
Pull two cards and have kids tell which number is bigger.
Ask how many treats it would take to make one more or one less.

For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:

Model the number word and give plenty of wait time.
Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
Use tongs or tweezers to place counters for added fine motor practice.
Repeat the same small set of numbers across several sessions.
Talk about the doghouse and treats for extra pet vocabulary practice.

Dog Counting Cards 1-20 Are Perfect For:

Preschool and pre-K
Kindergarten
ELL and multilingual learners
Pet and dog themes
Math centers
Number of the day
Morning tubs
Small-group instruction
Intervention
Special education
Speech, OT and early intervention sessions
Homeschool preschool and kindergarten
Substitute plans

Counting Cards 1-20: Dog Theme