Roll and Count Math Activity: Unicorn Theme

Recommended Grade Level:

Preschool kindergarten

Type of Resource: PDF

Number of Pages: 5

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Coordinating Activities

Unicorn Roll and Count Math Activity

1 Roll It, Write It, Show It mat
Each mat includes:
- A Roll it box to draw the dots or picture rolled
- A Write it box to write the number
- A Show it picture of the unicorn and rainbow for building the set
2 pages of differentiated cube inserts: unicorn number cards (1 to 6) and unicorn horn tally cards (1 to 6)

Print in color and laminate the mat so kids can write on it with a dry-erase marker. Cut apart the cube inserts and slide them into the pockets of a differentiated cube.

Required Materials:

Paper, Printer, Ink
Laminator (recommended so the mat lasts)
Differentiated cube (a foam cube with clear pockets) or a standard die
Scissors to cut apart the cube inserts
Dry-erase marker
Plastic gems

Standards for Counting and Cardinality

This Unicorn roll and count activity supports early math standards connected to writing numbers, counting objects, one-to-one correspondence and matching numbers to amounts.

Common Core State Standards: Mathematics

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.A.3: Write numbers from 0 to 20 and represent a number of objects with a written numeral. Kids write the number they roll in the Write it box.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.4: Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities. Kids connect the number they roll to a set of plastic gems.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.5: Count to answer “how many?” questions. Kids count the plastic gems on the mat to answer how many.

Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics

PK4.V.A.2: Children count up to 10 objects with one-to-one correspondence. Kids place one gem at a time as they count.
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 place one gem at a time as they count.
K.NS.2.b: Build a set of objects to match a given numeral. Kids build a set of plastic gems to match the number they rolled.

Unicorn Roll and Count Math Activity helps preschool and kindergarten kids roll a number, write it and count out a matching set with a hands-on printable math activity.

Add some sparkle to the rainbow! Kids roll the cube and give the unicorn that many gems.

The mat has three parts. Kids roll the cube and draw what they see in the Roll it box, write the number in the Write it box and then show it by placing that many plastic gems on the unicorn and rainbow.

Moving from a rolled picture to a written number to a set of real objects helps kids connect each number to the amount it stands for. Slide the number inserts or the unicorn horn tally inserts into the cube to change the skill without changing the game.

Laminate the mat and use a dry-erase marker so kids can roll and count again and again.

Keep the mat in a math tub with a differentiated cube, a dry-erase marker and a cup of plastic gems for a quick math center.

How to Use Unicorn Roll and Count Math Activity

Roll the cube and count what you see.
Draw it in the Roll it box.
Write the number in the Write it box.
Count out that many plastic gems and place them on the unicorn and rainbow.
Wipe the mat clean and roll again.

Small Group: Give each child a mat. Take turns rolling one cube for the group, then everyone writes the number and shows it on their own mat.

Independent Practice: Set the mat in a math center with a cube, a dry-erase marker and a cup of plastic gems. Kids roll, write and show as many times as they like.

Easy Ways to Differentiate This Roll and Count Activity

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 unicorn horn tally inserts so kids can count what they roll.
Use only a few inserts with the numbers 1 to 3 at first.
Skip the Write it box at first and focus on counting.
Use larger objects for kids who are still building hand strength.

For On-Level Practice:

Roll, write and show the number on each turn.
Have kids say the number word after they count.
Count the objects again to check the work.
Have a partner roll and check the count.

For an Extra Challenge:

Use the number inserts so kids read the numeral instead of counting pictures.
Roll the cube and a die and add them together.
Show one more or one less than the number rolled.
Roll twice and tell which number is bigger.

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 colors of the rainbow as kids count the gems.