Graphing and Matching Games: Forest Animal Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 6
Coordinating Activities
Graphing and Matching Games: Forest Animal Theme
- Forest animal spin and cover game
- Forest animal spin and graph page with “How many?” for each picture
- Forest animal matching cards
The three games use the same pictures, so kids can move from one to the next on their own.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Laminator
- Paper cutter or scissors
- Paper clip and pencil or paper fastener for the spinner
- Crayons, markers or colored pencils
- Small counters, gems or plastic leaves
Standards for Graphing and Counting
These games support early math standards connected to counting, matching and making a simple graph.
Common Core State Standards
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.B.3: Classify objects into given categories; count the numbers of objects in each category and sort the categories by count. Kids graph each spin and count the columns.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines
- PK4.V.E.2: Child collects data and organizes it in a graphic representation. Kids graph each spin and count the columns.
Virginia Standards of Learning
- Math K.PS.1.f: Organize and represent a data set (vertically or horizontally) using pictures to form a simple picture graph. Kids graph each spin and count the columns.
- Math K.PS.1.g: Analyze data represented in object graphs and picture graphs and communicate results. Kids tell which has the most and the fewest.
Graphing and Matching Games: Forest Animal Theme gives preschool and kindergarten kids three simple games for matching, counting and graphing with a forest animal theme.
Kids spin and cover the matching picture, spin and graph each picture until one column reaches the top, then play a matching game with the picture cards.
After graphing, kids count each column and answer “How many?” for each picture.
How to Use Graphing and Matching Games: Forest Animal Theme
- Print and laminate the pages and cards.
- Spin and cover: spin and cover the matching picture.
- Spin and graph: color a box for each spin until one column reaches the top.
- Count each column and write how many.
- Matching game: flip two cards and look for a match.
Partner Game: Take turns spinning and covering.
Small Group: Graph together and talk about which picture won.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Games
Every group has a mix of math and fine motor skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Play the matching game face up.
- Hold the spinner for the child.
- Count each column together.
- Use larger counters.
For On-Level Practice:
- Play all three games.
- Count each column.
- Tell which picture has the most.
- Play with a partner.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Tell how many more one column has.
- Write the numbers on the graph.
- Play the matching game face down.
- Make a new graph question.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Talk through each step together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Use real objects next to the cards.
- Name each picture together.
Graphing and Matching Games: Forest Animal Theme Is Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Fall and forest animal themes
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
