Number Counting Cards: Winter Mittens
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 10
Coordinating Activities
Winter Mitten Play Dough Counting Cards 1-10
- 10 mitten counting cards for numbers 1-10 (two per page)
- Each card includes:
- A blank mitten to fill with play dough dots
- The number and a prompt to add that many dots to the mitten
- 1 page of directions
Cards print two per page. Cut them apart and laminate them so kids can press play dough onto them again and again.
Required Materials:
- Paper, Printer, Ink
- Paper Cutter
- Laminator (recommended so the cards last)
- Play dough
- Counting chips (optional, for a no-mess version)
Standards for Counting and Cardinality
These Winter Mitten 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 with a set kids build themselves.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.5: Count to answer “how many?” questions. Kids count the play dough dots on each mitten.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics
- PK4.V.A.2: Children count up to 10 objects with one-to-one correspondence. Kids roll and press one dot 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. Kids roll and press one dot at a time as they count.
- K.NS.2.b: Build a set of objects to match a given numeral. Kids build a set of play dough dots to match the number on the card.
Winter Mitten Play Dough 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.
Brrr! These mittens need some dots to keep warm. Each card shows a plain mitten just waiting to be decorated.
Every card shows a number from 1 to 10 and asks kids to add that many dots to the mitten. Kids roll tiny balls of play dough and press one dot onto the mitten for each number they count.
Rolling and pressing play dough builds fine motor strength while kids practice one-to-one correspondence and connect each numeral to the amount it stands for.
Laminate the cards and they’re ready for counting again and again. Store them in a small tub with a container of play dough for a quick winter math center.
How to Use Winter Mitten Play Dough Counting Cards 1-10
- Choose a card and read the number together.
- Roll a small ball of play dough for each number you count.
- Press each dot onto the mitten as you count aloud.
- Count the dots again to check that the last number said matches the card.
Small Group: Give each child a card and a ball of play dough. Everyone fills their mitten 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 play dough. Kids work through the numbers in order or pick any card to read, count and decorate.
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.
- Roll the play dough balls ahead of time so kids can focus on counting.
- Use counting chips instead of play dough for kids who are still building hand strength.
- Lay the cards out in order so kids can see the amount grow by one each time.
For On-Level Practice:
- Use all 10 cards in order.
- Have kids say the number word after counting.
- Count the dots 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.
- Make a pattern with two colors of play dough dots.
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.
- Roll small play dough balls for added fine motor practice.
- Repeat the same small set of numbers across several sessions.
- Talk about winter clothes and why we wear mittens.
Winter Mitten Play Dough Counting Cards 1-10 Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Winter and mitten themes
- Math centers
- Morning tubs
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- Speech, OT and early intervention sessions
- Homeschool preschool and kindergarten
- Substitute plans
