Counting Cards Numbers 1-10: Hot Cocoa and Marshmallows Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 5
Coordinating Activities
Hot Cocoa Counting Cards 1-10
- 10 counting cards for numbers 1-10 (four per page)
- Each card includes:
- A mug of hot cocoa with that many marshmallows
- The number and the number word (one through ten)
Cards print four per page. Cut them apart and laminate them so they hold up to lots of counting.
Required Materials:
- Paper, Printer, Ink
- Paper Cutter
- Laminator (recommended so the cards last)
- Mini marshmallows, cotton balls or counters
Standards for Counting and Cardinality
These hot cocoa cards support early math standards connected to counting objects, one-to-one correspondence, matching numbers to amounts and recognizing numerals to 10.
Common Core State Standards: Mathematics
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.4: Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities. Every card connects a numeral and number word with a set of pictures.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.5: Count to answer “how many?” questions about as many as 20 things. Kids count the marshmallows on each card.
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 mini marshmallow on each picture 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 mini marshmallow on each picture as they count.
- K.NS.2.b: Build a set of objects to match a given numeral. Kids build a matching set of mini marshmallows.
Hot Cocoa Counting Cards 1-10 help preschool and kindergarten kids count objects, match numbers to amounts and recognize numbers 1-10 with a hands-on printable math activity.
Cozy up with hot cocoa! Each card shows a mug of cocoa with marshmallows all around. Kids count the marshmallows and cover each one with a real one.
Every card shows a number from 1 to 10, the number word and a mug of hot cocoa with that many marshmallows. Kids touch and count each picture, then place a real mini marshmallow on top of each one to check their count.
Matching real objects to pictures builds one-to-one correspondence and helps kids connect each numeral to the amount it stands for.
Want more hot cocoa counting? The hot cocoa number counting mats add ten-frames and number writing.
Laminate the cards and they’re ready for counting again and again. They fit right into a small tub or zipper bag for a quick math center.
How to Use Hot Cocoa Counting Cards 1-10
- Choose a card and read the number and number word together.
- Touch and count each marshmallow on the card.
- Place a mini marshmallow on each picture as you count aloud. Check that the last number said matches the card.
Small Group: Give each child a card and a cup of mini marshmallows. Everyone covers their pictures and shares how many with the group. Pass the cards to the left and play again.
Independent Practice: Set the cards in a math center with a bowl of mini marshmallows. Kids work through the numbers in order or pick any card to read, count and cover.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Counting Cards
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 numbers 1-5 and add more cards as counting becomes steady.
- Touch and count each marshmallow together.
- Lay the cards out in order so kids can see the amount grow by one each time.
- Use larger objects for kids who are still building hand strength.
For On-Level Practice:
- Use all 10 cards in order.
- Have kids say the number word after counting.
- Cover each picture, then count again to check.
- Have a partner count to check the work.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Mix up the cards and put them in order from 1 to 10.
- Say a number and have kids find the matching card.
- Pull two cards and have kids tell which number is bigger.
- Hand kids a pile of mini marshmallows and have them find the card that matches.
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.
- Name the pictures and colors together for extra language practice.
Hot Cocoa Counting Cards 1-10 Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Winter and hot cocoa themes
- Math centers
- Number of the day
- Morning tubs
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- Speech, OT and early intervention sessions
- Homeschool preschool and kindergarten
- Substitute plans
