Number Counting Mats 1-10: Tree Theme

Tree Number Counting Mats help preschool and kindergarten kids count objects, build numbers on a ten-frame and form numbers 1-10 with play dough in a hands-on printable math activity.

Grow a counting tree! Each mat has a leafy green tree ready for apples. Kids add one apple at a time until the tree matches the number.

Every mat shows a number from 1 to 10, the number word and a leafy tree ready to fill with apples.

Kids show the same amount on the empty ten-frame next to the tree. A ten-frame is a simple 2 x 5 grid that helps kids see numbers in groups of five and ten. It’s one of the best tools for building early number sense.

The large outlined numbers are made for play dough so kids build fine motor strength while they practice number formation. Laminate the mats and kids can trace the numbers with a dry-erase marker instead.

Teaching in a dual-language classroom or working with Spanish-speaking learners? The Spanish version of these tree number mats uses the same pictures with the Spanish number words.

Print the color set for centers or the black and white set to save ink. Laminate the mats and they’re ready for counters, play dough and dry-erase markers again and again.

How to Use Tree Number Counting Mats

1. Choose a mat and read the number and number word together.
2. Roll play dough into snakes and shape them over the large number or trace it with a dry-erase marker.
3. Count out that many apples or counters. Place them on the tree, then put one in each box of the ten-frame to match.

Small Group: Give each child a mat. Everyone builds their number, fills the ten-frame and shares how many with the group. Pass the mats to the left and play again.

Independent Practice: Set the mats in a math center with play dough and a cup of counters. Kids work through the numbers in order or pick any mat to shape, count and fill.

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Easy Ways to Differentiate These Number Mats

Some kids are still learning to count to 10 one object at a time, some can count a set but mix up which numeral goes with it and some are ready to talk about how many more make ten. Every mat has a tree to fill, a big number to build and a ten-frame, so you can change the job without changing the mats.

For Children Who Need More Support:

• Put out the mats for 1 to 3 first and add one new tree each day. A small set lets kids feel success before the numbers get bigger.
• Use red pom poms as apples and have kids put one apple on the tree for each number they say. Saying one number per apple helps kids stop counting when the apples run out.
• Trace the big number with your finger, then have the child trace it before building it with play dough. Tracing shows where the number starts so the play dough goes on in the right order.
• Give kids exactly the number of apples they need for that mat in a small cup. When the cup is empty the tree is done, which takes the guessing out of when to stop.

For On-Level Practice:

• Have kids fill the tree with apples, then move each apple down to the ten-frame one at a time. Moving the same apples shows the amount stays the same in a new spot.
• Read the number word on each mat together and point to it as you say it. Linking the word, the numeral and the apples gives kids three ways to know the same number.
• Have kids roll a die, find the tree mat that matches and build that number. Rolling adds a game feel and practice recognizing dot patterns.
• Use the black and white mats and have kids color the same number of apples on the tree as the number shown. A colored tree is something kids can take home and count again.

For an Extra Challenge:

• Ask kids how many more apples the tree needs to have ten, then check with the empty boxes on the ten-frame. Finding the missing part is the start of adding and subtracting.
• Put two tree mats side by side and have kids tell how many apples there are in all. Combining two small trees is an early way to add.
• Have kids pick one apple off the tree and tell how many are left. Taking away one at a time builds the idea of counting back.
• Point to a tree and have kids find the mat that shows one more or one less. Thinking about one more and one less helps kids see how numbers grow.

For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:

• For speech practice, have kids say a short phrase for each apple, like one apple, two apples. Adding the s at the end practices plurals along with counting.
• For OT practice, have kids roll small play dough balls for apples instead of using pom poms. Rolling tiny balls between the fingers builds the strength used to hold a pencil.
• For ELL support, hold up an apple and teach apple, tree and number before you start. Knowing the three words first lets kids follow the directions while they count.
• For special education support, use one mat at a time and put the others away. A clear table helps kids focus on the number in front of them.

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Tree Number Counting Mats Are Perfect For:

• Preschool and pre-K
• Kindergarten
• ELL and multilingual learners
• Tree, apple and seasons themes
• Math centers
• Morning tubs
• Small-group instruction
• Intervention
• Special education
• Speech, OT and early intervention sessions
• Homeschool preschool
• Substitute plans

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