Find and Cover 1-10: Ocean Shark
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 6
Coordinating Activities
Ocean Shark Find and Cover Numbers 1-10
- 1 Find and Cover 1-5 game board
- 1 Find and Cover 1-10 game board
- 10 number cards (1-10)
- 1 page of instructions
Print the boards and cards in color. Laminate them and cut apart the number cards so they hold up to lots of play.
Required Materials:
- Paper, Printer, Ink
- Laminator (recommended so the pieces last)
- Scissors or a paper cutter
- Pocket chart (optional, to display the cards)
- Sensory bin filler (optional, for a ocean sensory bin)
Standards for Number Recognition
This Ocean Shark Find and Cover game supports early math standards connected to recognizing and matching numerals 1-10.
Common Core State Standards: Mathematics
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.A.3: Write numbers from 0 to 20. Represent a number of objects with a written numeral 0-20. Kids read each number card and match it to the same numeral on the board.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics
- PK4.V.A.5: Child recognizes numerals 0-10. Kids name each number card and find its match.
- TEKS K.2B: Read, write and represent whole numbers from 0 to at least 20. Kids read the numerals 1-10 on the cards and boards.
Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning
- K.NS.2.a: Read, write and identify the numerals 0 through 30. Kids identify each numeral 1-10 as they match the cards to the board.
Ocean Shark Find and Cover Numbers 1-10 helps preschool and kindergarten kids recognize numbers 1-10 with a hands-on printable math game.
Dive into number fun! Kids pick a number card and swim to the matching shark on the board.
Each game board shows sharks with a number to find. Kids pick a number card, find the matching number on the board and cover it with the card. They keep going until every space is covered.
Start with the 1-5 board for kids who are just learning their numbers, then move to the 1-10 board. Hide the number cards in a sensory bin to add a fun search before each match.
Store the boards and cards in a zipper bag or small tub for a quick math center.
How to Use Ocean Shark Find and Cover Numbers 1-10
- Choose the 1-5 or 1-10 game board.
- Pick a number card and read the number.
- Find the matching number on the board and cover it with the card.
- Keep going until the whole board is covered.
Small Group: Give each child a board. Hold up one number card at a time and have everyone find and cover the matching number.
Independent Practice: Set the boards and cards in a math center or hide the cards in a sensory bin. Kids find a card and cover the match until the board is full.
Easy Ways to Differentiate This Find and Cover Game
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 the 1-5 board.
- Use only a few cards at a time.
- Say the number together before kids search for it.
- Have kids trace the number on the card with a finger before matching.
For On-Level Practice:
- Use the 1-10 board.
- Have kids say the number word before they cover it.
- Read the covered numbers in order when the board is full.
- Play with a partner and take turns.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Mix the cards and put them in order from 1 to 10 before playing.
- Count out that many counters for each card before covering.
- Name one more or one less than the number on the card.
- Time how long it takes to fill the board, then try to beat it.
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 to pull number cards from a sensory bin for added fine motor practice.
- Repeat the same small set of numbers across several sessions.
- Talk about sharks and other ocean animals as kids play.
Ocean Shark Find and Cover Numbers 1-10 Is Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Ocean, shark and summer themes
- Math centers
- Morning tubs
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- Speech, OT and early intervention sessions
- Homeschool preschool and kindergarten
- Substitute plans
