Number counting Mats 1-10: Valentine’s Day Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 21
Coordinating Activities
Valentine’s Day Number Counting Mats
- 10 color mats with empty ten-frames for numbers 1-10
- 10 color mats with ten-frames filled with hearts for numbers 1-10
- Each mat includes:
- A large outlined number to fill with play dough or trace
- The number word (one through ten)
- A child peeking over the ten-frame with that many hearts floating above
- A ten-frame to fill or count
Mats print one per page in full color.
Required Materials:
- Paper, Printer, Ink
- Laminator (recommended so the mats last)
- Play dough
- Counters, mini heart erasers or candy hearts
- Dry-erase markers (optional, for tracing on laminated mats)
Standards for Counting, Cardinality and Number Sense
These Valentine’s Day number mats support early math standards connected to counting objects, one-to-one correspondence, matching numbers to amounts and forming numerals.
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 form each number with play dough or trace it with a dry-erase marker.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.4: Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities. Every mat connects a numeral, a number word and a set of objects.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.5: Count to answer “how many?” questions. Kids count the floating hearts and fill the ten-frame to match.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics
- PK4.V.A.2: Children count up to 10 objects with one-to-one correspondence. Kids touch each heart as they count, then place one counter in each box.
- 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. Each mat gives kids a new set of hearts to count.
- K.NS.1.c: Show counting by ones with tools like ten-frames. Kids build each number on the ten-frame, one box at a time.
- K.NS.2.b: Build a set of objects to match a given numeral. Kids fill the ten-frame to match the number on the mat.
Valentine’s Day 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.
Love is in the air! A sweet little Valentine peeks over the ten-frame while hearts float overhead. The hearts add up one at a time, from a single heart on one to a whole cloud of hearts on ten.
Every mat shows a number from 1 to 10, the number word and a child peeking over the ten-frame with that many hearts floating above.
Half of the mats have an empty ten-frame to fill. The other half show the ten-frame filled with hearts so kids can count the model and check their work. 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.
Print the mats in color and laminate them so they’re ready for counters, play dough and dry-erase markers again and again.
How to Use Valentine’s Day Number Counting Mats
- Choose a mat and read the number and number word together.
- Roll play dough into snakes and shape them over the large number or trace it with a dry-erase marker.
- Count the hearts floating above and place one counter or candy heart 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.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Number Mats
Some kids are still learning to count to 10, some can count hearts but need help with the ten-frame and some are ready to make ten. Each Valentine mat has a number to build, the number word, a ten-frame and hearts to count.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Have kids count the hearts on the mat with you before building the number. Counting the pictures first sets the goal.
- Use conversation hearts or red pom poms as counters. Theme counters make the mats more fun to use.
- Have kids place one red pom pom on each heart picture before filling the ten-frame. Covering the hearts first shows kids how many they need.
- Model the first mat while saying each step out loud. Hearing the steps helps kids do them on their own.
For On-Level Practice:
- Have kids count the hearts, build the number and fill the ten-frame. Three steps show the same number three ways.
- Have kids make a Valentine card with the number of hearts they counted. A card gives kids a real reason to count.
- Have kids sort conversation hearts by color, then fill the mat with one color. Sorting adds an extra math step.
- Have kids put the mats in order and notice that each mat has one more heart. Seeing one more each time builds counting.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Have kids share the hearts evenly between two friends. Sharing fairly builds early ideas of even and odd.
- Have kids find how many more hearts would fill the ten-frame. Finding the missing part builds facts to ten.
- Have kids add the hearts on two mats together. Combining two mats builds addition.
- Have kids make a pattern with the hearts on the ten-frame, like red, pink, red. Patterns add a second math skill to counting.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- For speech practice, use the h sound in heart and hug while counting. Repeating theme words gives focused practice.
- For OT practice, have kids cut out paper hearts to use as counters. Cutting curves builds scissor skills.
- For ELL support, teach heart, love, friend and card before starting. Holiday words help kids join the conversation.
- For special education support, use larger heart counters that are easy to pick up. Bigger pieces help kids still building fine motor control.
Valentine’s Day Number Counting Mats Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Valentine’s Day and friendship themes
- Math centers
- Morning tubs
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- Speech, OT and early intervention sessions
- Homeschool preschool
- Substitute plans
