Roll and Count Math Activity: Nurse and Teddy Bear Theme
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 4
Coordinating Activities
Nurse and Teddy Bear Roll and Count Math Activity
- 1 Roll It, Write It, Show It mat
- Each mat includes:
- A Roll it box to draw the dots or picture rolled
- A Write it box to write the number
- A Show it picture of the teddy bear for building the set
- 1 page of cube inserts showing 1 to 6 bandages
Print in color and laminate the mat so kids can write on it with a dry-erase marker. Cut apart the cube inserts and slide them into the pockets of a differentiated cube.
Required Materials:
- Paper, Printer, Ink
- Laminator (recommended so the mat lasts)
- Differentiated cube (a foam cube with clear pockets) or a standard die
- Scissors to cut apart the cube inserts
- Dry-erase marker
- Bandages
Standards for Counting and Cardinality
This Nurse and Teddy Bear roll and count activity supports early math standards connected to writing numbers, counting objects, one-to-one correspondence and matching numbers to amounts.
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 write the number they roll in the Write it box.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.4: Understand the relationship between numbers and quantities. Kids connect the number they roll to a set of bandages.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.5: Count to answer “how many?” questions. Kids count the bandages on the mat to answer how many.
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 bandage 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 place one bandage 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 bandages to match the number they rolled.
Nurse and Teddy Bear Roll and Count Math Activity helps preschool and kindergarten kids roll a number, write it and count out a matching set with a hands-on printable math activity.
Teddy needs a check-up! Kids roll the cube and help the nurse give Bear that many bandages.
The mat has three parts. Kids roll the cube and draw what they see in the Roll it box, write the number in the Write it box and then show it by placing that many bandages on the teddy bear. The mat asks kids to show how many bandages Bear needs.
Moving from a rolled picture to a written number to a set of real objects helps kids connect each number to the amount it stands for. Slide the bandage picture inserts into the cube so kids can count the pictures they roll.
Laminate the mat and use a dry-erase marker so kids can roll and count again and again.
Keep the mat in a math tub with a differentiated cube, a dry-erase marker and a cup of bandages for a quick math center.
How to Use Nurse and Teddy Bear Roll and Count Math Activity
- Roll the cube and count what you see.
- Draw it in the Roll it box.
- Write the number in the Write it box.
- Count out that many bandages and place them on the teddy bear.
- Wipe the mat clean and roll again.
Small Group: Give each child a mat. Take turns rolling one cube for the group, then everyone writes the number and shows it on their own mat.
Independent Practice: Set the mat in a math center with a cube, a dry-erase marker and a cup of bandages. Kids roll, write and show as many times as they like.
Easy Ways to Differentiate This Roll and Count Activity
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:
- Use the bandage picture inserts so kids can count what they roll.
- Use only a few inserts with the numbers 1 to 3 at first.
- Skip the Write it box at first and focus on counting.
- Use larger objects for kids who are still building hand strength.
For On-Level Practice:
- Roll, write and show the number on each turn.
- Have kids say the number word after they count.
- Count the objects again to check the work.
- Have a partner roll and check the count.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Roll two dice and add them together for numbers up to 12.
- Show one more or one less than the number rolled.
- Roll twice and tell which number is bigger.
- Write the number word under the numeral.
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.
- Talk about nurses, doctors and how they help us feel better.
Nurse and Teddy Bear Roll and Count Math Activity Is Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Community helper and doctor themes
- Math centers
- Morning tubs
- Small-group instruction
- Intervention
- Special education
- Speech, OT and early intervention sessions
- Homeschool preschool and kindergarten
- Substitute plans
