Number Card Games: Counting 1-5
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 16
Coordinating Activities
Number Card Games: Counting 1-5
- Number cards for 0-5 in many formats: numerals, number words, tens and ones, “1 more than” cards and pictures
- Instructions for 6 games: Slap It, War, Addition/Subtraction/Multiplication War, matching game and Go Fish
- Ideas for customizing the decks
Start with one or two card formats and add more as kids recognize them.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink (cardstock works well)
- Laminator
- Paper cutter or scissors
Standards for Numbers to 5
These card games support early math standards connected to recognizing and comparing numbers to 5.
Common Core State Standards
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.4: Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities; connect counting to cardinality. Kids match each number to its quantity.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.C.7: Compare two numbers between 1 and 10 presented as written numerals. Kids compare cards in War.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines
- PK4.V.A.5: Child recognizes numerals 0-10. Kids name each numeral.
- PK4.V.A.3: Child counts up to 10 items and demonstrates cardinality by communicating that the last number indicates how many items are in the set. Kids count the pictures on each card.
Virginia Standards of Learning
- Math K.NS.2.a: Read, write and identify the numerals 0 through 30. Kids identify each numeral.
- Math K.NS.1.a: Use one-to-one correspondence to determine how many are in a given set. Kids count each set.
Number Card Games: Counting 1-5 give preschool and kindergarten kids six classic card games for learning numbers to 5.
The cards show each number many ways: numerals, number words, tens and ones and “1 more than.” Kids play Slap It, War, Go Fish and a matching game with the same deck.
Mix and match the card formats to fit what your kids know, and add new formats as they grow.
How to Use Number Card Games: Counting 1-5
- Print the cards on cardstock and cut them apart.
- Pick a game and read the instructions.
- Build a deck with the card formats you need.
- Play the game with 2-4 players.
Partner Game: Play War or Go Fish with a friend.
Small Group: Play Slap It as a group.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Card Games
Every group has a mix of number skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Use only numeral and picture cards.
- Play the matching game face up.
- Count together.
- Play with an adult.
For On-Level Practice:
- Play every game.
- Name each card.
- Compare cards in War.
- Explain each match.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Add the tens and ones cards.
- Play Addition War.
- Add the “1 more than” cards.
- Make new cards to 10.
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.
- Use large cards and a card holder.
- Play cooperatively.
Number Card Games: Counting 1-5 Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
