I Spy Counting Game: Weather Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 4
Coordinating Activities
Weather Wonders I Spy Counting Game
- 1 full-color I Spy picture page
- 1 recording sheet with 12 pictures to find and count
Print the I Spy picture in color. Laminate the picture and recording sheet to use with a dry-erase marker or print a fresh recording sheet each time.
Required Materials:
- Paper, Printer, Ink
- Laminator (optional)
- Pencil, crayon or dry-erase marker
- Highlighter or counters to mark pictures (optional)
Standards for Counting and Cardinality
This Weather Wonders I Spy game supports early math standards connected to counting objects, writing numbers and sorting pictures into groups.
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 write how many of each picture they find.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.5: Count to answer “how many?” questions about as many as 20 things arranged in a scattered configuration. Kids count pictures scattered across the I Spy page.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.B.3: Classify objects into given categories and count the number of objects in each category. Kids sort the pictures by type and count each group.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics
- PK4.V.A.2: Children count up to 10 objects with one-to-one correspondence. Kids touch and count each picture once.
- PK4.V.A.3: Children count up to 10 items and show that the last number counted tells how many are in the set.
- TEKS K.2C: Count a set of objects and show that the last number said tells how many are in the set.
Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning
- K.NS.1.a: Use one-to-one correspondence to find how many are in a set. Kids count each picture once as they find it.
- K.NS.2.a: Read, write and identify the numerals 0 through 30. Kids write the number for each count.
Weather Wonders I Spy Counting Game helps preschool and kindergarten kids find, count and record how many with a hands-on printable math activity.
I spy with my little eye! Kids search a busy weather wonders picture for suns, clouds and weather pictures.
Each recording sheet shows 12 pictures from the I Spy page with a box next to each one. Kids find every matching picture, count how many there are and write the number in the box.
Searching a busy picture builds visual discrimination and focus. Counting each set builds one-to-one correspondence. Kids can mark each picture as they count so nothing gets counted twice.
Slip the picture and recording sheet into a page protector for a quick math center or morning work.
How to Use Weather Wonders I Spy Counting Game
- Look at the first picture on the recording sheet.
- Find every one on the I Spy page.
- Count them and write the number in the box.
- Move to the next picture until the sheet is done.
Small Group: Give each child a recording sheet and share one I Spy picture. Search for one item together, then count and record it as a group.
Independent Practice: Place the I Spy picture and recording sheets in a math center. Kids search, count and record on their own.
Easy Ways to Differentiate This I Spy 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:
- Search for only a few pictures at a time.
- Cover each picture with a counter as kids count it.
- Count aloud together before writing the number.
- Let kids point to the number on a number line as their answer.
For On-Level Practice:
- Complete the whole recording sheet.
- Have kids say the number word after they count.
- Count again to check each answer.
- Work with a partner and compare answers.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Find which picture has the most and which has the fewest.
- Add two of the counts together.
- Write the number words next to the numerals.
- Make a tally chart of all the pictures.
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 a highlighter or crayon to mark each picture for added fine motor practice.
- Repeat the same small set of numbers across several sessions.
- Talk about different kinds of weather as kids search.
Weather Wonders I Spy Counting Game Is Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Weather and season themes
- Math centers
- Morning tubs
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- Speech, OT and early intervention sessions
- Homeschool preschool and kindergarten
- Substitute plans
