Counting Cards Numbers 1-5: Dog Bones Pet Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 14
Coordinating Activities
Dog and Bone Counting Cards 1-5
- 5 color dog cards for numbers 1-5
- 5 black and white dog cards
- 5 color dog cards with Spanish number words
- 5 black and white dog cards with Spanish number words
- Each card includes:
- A puppy waiting for bones
- The number and number word
- A row of boxes, one for each bone
- Sheets of little bone squares to cut apart for counting
Dog cards print two per page. Laminate all the pages, then cut apart the dog cards and the little bone squares.
Required Materials:
- Paper, Printer, Ink
- Paper Cutter
- Laminator (recommended so the cards last)
- Storage bag or cup for the bone squares
Standards for Counting and Cardinality
These dog and bone cards support early math standards connected to counting objects, one-to-one correspondence, matching numbers to amounts and recognizing numerals to 5.
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 boxes to fill.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.5: Count to answer “how many?” questions about as many as 20 things. Kids count the bones they give each puppy.
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 bone in each box 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 bone in each box as they count.
- K.NS.2.b: Build a set of objects to match a given numeral. Kids fill each puppy’s boxes with that many bones.
Dog and Bone Counting Cards 1-5 help preschool and kindergarten kids count objects, match numbers to amounts and recognize numbers 1-5 with a hands-on printable math activity.
Feed the puppies! Each card shows a hungry puppy with a row of empty boxes. Kids count out bone squares and give each puppy the right number of bones.
Every card shows a number from 1 to 5, the number word and a puppy with that many empty boxes. Kids place one bone square in each box. The boxes guide one-to-one counting.
The set includes English and Spanish number words in color and black and white. It works for bilingual homes and dual-language classrooms too.
Print the color cards for centers or the black and white cards to save ink. Laminate the bone squares so they last through lots of feeding time.
How to Use Dog and Bone Counting Cards 1-5
- Choose a puppy card and read the number and number word together.
- Count out that many bone squares.
- Place one bone in each box under the puppy, counting aloud. Check that every box is full.
Small Group: Give each child a puppy card and a cup of bones. Everyone feeds their puppy and shares how many bones it got. Pass the cards to the left and play again.
Independent Practice: Set the cards and a cup of bone squares in a math center or morning tub. Kids feed each puppy and check that every box is full.
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 1-3 and add more cards as counting becomes steady.
- Count each box together before adding bones.
- Hand kids one bone at a time as they count.
- Use larger counters if the bone squares are hard to pick up.
For On-Level Practice:
- Use all 5 cards in order.
- Have kids say the number word after counting.
- Feed each puppy, then count again to check.
- Have a partner count the bones to check the work.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Mix up the cards and put them in order from 1 to 5.
- Take the boxes away and have kids count out bones from the number alone.
- Ask how many more bones a puppy needs to have 5.
- Use the Spanish cards and count in both languages.
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.
- Use the Spanish cards to practice the number words in both languages.
Dog and Bone Counting Cards 1-5 Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Pet and dog 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
