Counting Cards Numbers 1-20: Watermelon Seeds Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 11
Watermelon Seed Counting Cards 1-20
- 20 counting cards for numbers 1-20 (two per page)
- Each card includes:
- A watermelon slice with a ten-frame of seeds (a double ten-frame for 11-20)
- A number and number word to trace
Cards print two per page. Cut them apart and laminate them so kids can trace with a dry-erase marker again and again.
Required Materials:
- Paper, Printer, Ink
- Paper Cutter
- Laminator (recommended so the cards last)
- Watermelon seeds, black beans or counters
- Dry-erase markers
Standards for Counting and Cardinality
These watermelon seed cards support early math standards connected to counting objects, one-to-one correspondence, matching numbers to amounts and recognizing numerals to 20.
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 seeds.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.5: Count to answer “how many?” questions about as many as 20 things. Kids count the seeds on each ten-frame card.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.NBT.A.1: Compose and decompose numbers from 11 to 19 into ten ones and some further ones. The teen cards show each number as one full ten-frame plus some more.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Mathematics
- TEKS K.2A: Count forward and backward to at least 20 with and without objects. Kids count up as they work through the cards in order.
- TEKS K.2B: Read, write and represent whole numbers from 0 to at least 20 with and without objects or pictures. Every card shows the numeral and a number word to trace with the matching amount.
- TEKS K.2C: Count a set of objects up to at least 20 and show that the last number said tells how many are in the set. Kids count every seed on the card to find how many.
Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning
- K.NS.1.a: Use one-to-one correspondence to find how many are in a set. Kids touch each seed once as they count.
- K.NS.1.c: Show counting by ones with tools like ten-frames. Kids count each picture in the ten-frame, one box at a time.
- K.NS.2.b: Build a set of objects to match a given numeral. Kids place a real seed on each picture to match the card.
Watermelon Seed Counting Cards 1-20 help preschool and kindergarten kids count to 20, recognize amounts on a ten-frame and trace numbers and number words with a hands-on printable math activity.
A summer slice of counting! Each card shows a juicy watermelon slice with seeds lined up in a ten-frame. Kids count the seeds, trace the number and add real seeds to match.
Every card from 1 to 20 shows a watermelon slice with that many seeds in a ten-frame, plus the number and number word to trace. Cards for 11-20 use a double ten-frame so kids can see each teen number as one full ten and some more.
A ten-frame is a simple 2 x 5 grid that helps kids see numbers in groups of five and ten. Tracing the number and word on the same card ties the amount, the numeral and the word together.
Laminate the cards and they’re ready for counting and tracing again and again.
How to Use Watermelon Seed Counting Cards 1-20
- Choose a card and count the seeds in the ten-frame.
- Trace the number and number word with a dry-erase marker.
- Place a real seed or counter on each seed and count again to check.
Small Group: Give each child a card and a cup of seeds. Everyone counts, traces and shares their number with the group. Pass the cards to the left and play again.
Independent Practice: Set the cards in a math center with seeds or counters and a dry-erase marker. Kids work through the numbers in order or pick any card to count, trace 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 seed together.
- Point out that a full row is five before counting on.
- Keep the 1-10 cards separate from the teen cards at first.
For On-Level Practice:
- Use the cards for 1-10 in order.
- Have kids trace and read the number word after counting.
- Cover each seed with a counter, then count again to check.
- Have a partner check the count.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Mix up all 20 cards and put them in order.
- Ask how many more seeds it would take to make 10 or 20.
- Flash a card and have kids name the number without counting.
- Pull two cards and have kids tell which number is bigger.
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.
- Talk about summer fruits and picnics for extra vocabulary practice.
Watermelon Seed Counting Cards 1-20 Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Summer, picnic and fruit 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