Skip Counting Gross Motor: Jungle Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 24
Coordinating Activities
Skip Counting Gross Motor: Jungle Theme
- Jungle tree mats numbered by 2s from 0 to 40
- Monkey mask
Tape the trees around the room and let kids “swing” from tree to tree as they count by 2s.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Laminator
- Scissors
- Yarn and hole punch for the mask
- Tape
Standards for Skip Counting
This gross motor game supports first and second grade math standards connected to skip counting by 2s.
Common Core State Standards
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.OA.C.3: Determine whether a group of objects (up to 20) has an odd or even number of members, e.g., by pairing objects or counting them by 2s. Kids count by 2s from tree to tree.
TEKS for Mathematics
- TEKS 1.5(B): Skip count by twos, fives and tens to determine the total number of objects up to 120 in a set. Kids count by twos to 40.
Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning
- 1.NS.1.d: Represent forward counting patterns when counting by groups of 2 up to at least 30 using a variety of tools. Kids count by 2s from tree to tree.
- 2.NS.1.a: Represent forward counting patterns when counting by groups of 2 up to at least 50. Kids count by 2s to 40.
Skip Counting Gross Motor: Jungle Theme gets first and second grade kids moving as they count by 2s to 40.
Kids wear the monkey mask and move from tree to tree, saying each number as they count by 2s from 0 to 40.
Mix up the trees and have kids put them back in order, or hide a few and ask which numbers are missing.
How to Use Skip Counting Gross Motor: Jungle Theme
- Print and laminate the tree mats.
- Make the monkey mask with yarn and a hole punch.
- Tape the trees in order around the room.
- Kids move from tree to tree and count by 2s.
- Mix up the trees and put them back in order.
Brain Break: Swing through the jungle as a movement break.
Small Group: Lay out the trees and find the missing numbers.
Easy Ways to Differentiate This Gross Motor Game
Every group has a mix of counting and movement skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Use trees to 20.
- Count together.
- Walk from tree to tree.
- Use a number line.
For On-Level Practice:
- Count by 2s to 40.
- Put the trees in order.
- Name missing numbers.
- Count with a partner.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Count backward by 2s.
- Start at an odd number.
- Tell if each number is even.
- Count by 2s past 40.
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.
- Let kids step, walk or point to each tree.
- Use a number line with the 2s colored.
Skip Counting Gross Motor: Jungle Theme Is Perfect For:
- Kindergarten
- First grade
- Second grade
- Jungle themes
- Brain breaks
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
