Number Counting Mats 1-10: Valentine’s Day Conversation Heart Mats
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 12
Coordinating Activities
Valentine’s Day Conversation Heart Number Mats
- 10 color mats for numbers 1-10
- Each mat includes:
- The number and number word
- A big heart to fill with play dough
- An empty ten-frame to fill with conversation hearts
- A colorful conversation heart border
Mats print one per page in full color.
Required Materials:
- Paper, Printer, Ink
- Laminator (recommended so the mats last)
- Play dough
- Conversation hearts or heart counters
Standards for Counting, Cardinality and Number Sense
These conversation heart 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 shape each number with play dough.
- 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 out conversation hearts to fill the ten-frame.
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 candy heart 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. 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.
Valentine’s Day Conversation Heart Number Mats 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.
Sweet treats for counting! Each mat is framed with pastel conversation hearts. Kids grab a handful of real candy hearts and fill the ten-frame to match the number.
Every mat shows a number from 1 to 10, the number word and a big heart above an empty ten-frame.
Kids place one conversation heart in each box until the ten-frame matches the number. 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 big heart is the perfect spot for play dough so kids can roll and shape the number while they build fine motor strength.
Print the mats in color and laminate them so they’re ready for play dough and conversation hearts again and again.
How to Use Valentine’s Day Conversation Heart Number Mats
- Choose a mat and read the number and number word together.
- Roll play dough and shape the number in the big heart.
- Count out that many conversation hearts and place one in each box of the ten-frame.
Small Group: Give each child a mat and a small cup of conversation hearts. Everyone shapes 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 bowl of conversation hearts. Kids work through the numbers in order or pick any mat to shape, count and fill.
Easy Ways to Differentiate These Number Mats
Some kids are still learning what each number looks like, some can build the number but need help showing the amount and some are ready to make ten. Each mat has a big heart with a number and number word to build with play dough and a ten-frame to fill with conversation hearts.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Use pink or red play dough to build the number inside the heart. Matching the color to the holiday keeps kids excited.
- Have kids trace the number in the heart with a dry erase marker first. Tracing shows the path before play dough goes on.
- Have kids put one conversation heart in each box while you count together. Counting together keeps the pace steady.
- Choose three mats at a time and rotate new ones in each day. A few mats at a time keeps practice focused.
For On-Level Practice:
- Have kids build the number with play dough and fill the ten-frame with conversation hearts. Building and filling show the numeral and the amount together.
- Have kids read the number word in the heart and say it with the numeral. Reading the word builds early literacy.
- Have kids sort conversation hearts by color and use one color per mat. Sorting adds an extra step of math.
- Have kids count the hearts again after the ten-frame is full. A second count checks the work.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Have kids fill the ten-frame with two colors of hearts and write the number sentence. Two colors show the parts that make the whole.
- Have kids tell how many empty boxes are left to make ten. Finding the missing part builds facts to ten.
- Have kids read the words on the conversation hearts and count the letters in each. Counting letters connects reading and math.
- Have kids compare two mats and tell which has more hearts and how many more. Comparing builds number sense.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- For speech practice, read the conversation heart messages aloud for kids to repeat. Short messages make great practice phrases.
- For OT practice, have kids use a heart cookie cutter to cut play dough hearts as counters. Pressing and lifting the cutter builds hand strength.
- For ELL support, teach heart, pink and red before starting. Color words help kids describe their counters.
- For special education support, place one heart in the first box of the ten-frame as a starting point. A clear start helps kids fill the frame in order.
Valentine’s Day Conversation Heart Number Mats Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Valentine’s Day and friendship themes
- Math centers
- Morning tubs
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- Speech, OT and early intervention sessions
- Homeschool preschool
- Substitute plans
