Counting Number Mats: Hot Cocoa
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 43
Coordinating Activities
Hot Cocoa Number Counting Mats 1-10
- 10 color mats with empty ten-frames for numbers 1-10
- 10 color mats with ten-frames filled with marshmallows
- 10 black and white mats with empty ten-frames
- 10 black and white mats with filled ten-frames
- Each mat includes:
- A large outlined number to fill with play dough or trace
- The number word (one through ten)
- A mug of hot cocoa ready for marshmallows
- A ten-frame to fill or count
- Lines to write the number
- A directions page with prep and how-to-use tips
Mats print one per page. Choose the color set for a bright math center or the black and white set to save ink.
Required Materials:
- Paper, Printer, Ink
- Laminator (recommended so the mats last)
- Play dough
- Mini marshmallows, cotton balls or counters
- Dry-erase markers (for writing and tracing on laminated mats)
Standards for Counting, Cardinality and Number Sense
These hot cocoa number mats support early math standards connected to counting objects, one-to-one correspondence, matching numbers to amounts and forming numerals.
Common Core State Standards: Mathematics
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.A.3: Write numbers from 0 to 20 and represent a number of objects with a written numeral. Kids form each number with play dough and write it on the lines.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.4: Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities. Every mat connects a numeral, a number word and a set of objects.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.5: Count to answer “how many?” questions. Kids count the marshmallows and fill the ten-frame to match.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics
- PK4.V.A.2: Children count up to 10 objects with one-to-one correspondence. Kids drop marshmallows in one at a time 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. Each mat gives kids a new set to build and count.
- K.NS.1.c: Show counting by ones with tools like ten-frames. Kids build each number on the ten-frame, one box at a time.
- K.NS.2.b: Build a set of objects to match a given numeral. Kids fill the ten-frame to match the number on the mat.
Hot Cocoa Number Counting Mats 1-10 help preschool and kindergarten kids count objects, build numbers on a ten-frame and form numbers 1-10 with play dough in a hands-on printable math activity.
Cozy up with hot cocoa! Each mat has a warm mug just waiting for marshmallows. Kids drop in one marshmallow at a time until the cocoa matches the number.
Every mat shows a number from 1 to 10, the number word and a mug of hot cocoa ready for marshmallows.
Half of the mats have an empty ten-frame to fill. The other half show the ten-frame already filled with marshmallows so kids can count the model and check their work. A ten-frame is a simple 2 x 5 grid that helps kids see numbers in groups of five and ten. It’s one of the best tools for building early number sense.
The large outlined numbers are made for play dough so kids build fine motor strength while they practice number formation. The writing lines on each mat give them a place to practice writing the number too.
Teaching in a dual-language classroom or working with Spanish-speaking learners? The Spanish version of these hot cocoa number mats uses the same pictures with the Spanish number words.
Ready for bigger numbers? The hot cocoa number mats for 11-20 use the same theme with a double ten-frame.
Print the color set for centers or the black and white set to save ink. Laminate the mats and they’re ready for counters, play dough and dry-erase markers again and again.
How to Use Hot Cocoa Number Counting Mats 1-10
- Choose a mat and read the number and number word together.
- Roll play dough into snakes and shape them over the large number or trace it with a dry-erase marker.
- Count out that many mini marshmallows. Add them to the cocoa box, then place one in each box of the ten-frame and write the number on the lines.
Small Group: Give each child a mat. Everyone builds their number, fills the ten-frame and shares how many with the group. Pass the mats to the left and play again.
Independent Practice: Set the mats in a math center with play dough and a cup of counters. Kids work through the numbers in order or pick any mat to shape, count and fill.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Number Mats
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 mats as counting becomes steady.
- Begin with the filled ten-frame mats so kids can place counters right on top of the pictures.
- Touch and count each marshmallow together before moving on.
- Pre-roll play dough snakes for kids who are still building hand strength.
- Model filling the top row of the ten-frame from left to right.
For On-Level Practice:
- Use all 10 empty ten-frame mats in order.
- Have kids say the number word after counting.
- Shape the number with play dough, then fill the ten-frame to match.
- Use the filled ten-frame mats to self-check.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Mix up the mats and put them in order from 1 to 10.
- Say a number and have kids find the matching mat.
- Ask how many more counters it would take to fill the ten-frame and make 10.
- Show a filled mat for a few seconds, cover it and have kids build the same amount from memory.
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 matching Spanish set to support Spanish-speaking learners.
Hot Cocoa Number Counting Mats 1-10 Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Winter and hot cocoa themes
- Math centers
- Morning tubs
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- Speech, OT and early intervention sessions
- Homeschool preschool
- Substitute plans
