How to Use Our Cupcake Counting Activity

Use this resource in your math center, as a small group activity, or a whole class exercise (see below) to practice using one-to-one correspondence to count a set of objects.

To play, shuffle the cards and lay them face down in a pile in the center of the playing area. Students will take turns flipping over the top card and identifying the number. Then, they will place a matching number of counters on top of a cupcake. Students will continue flipping over cards until they have covered every cupcake.

Scaffolding + Extension Tips

Challenge students who already understand the concept to choose a card and provide a number that is greater than or less than (directed by the teacher) than the number.

Support students who need help understanding the concept with a tens frame mat with the numbers written inside each box. Students will place the corresponding number in the tens frame first, then move them over to the cupcake.

More Ways to Play 

Use this resource as independent practice for fast finishers, and for full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, formative assessments, and more.

🃏 More or Less (War-Style Card Game)

It’s easy to turn these cards into a more or less game! Shuffle the number cards and pass them out equally between the players. Have students place the cards in a pile face down in front of them. Have the students decide ahead of the game whether they are looking for the greatest number or the least. Students flip the top card in their decks and the winning player wins the cards. The student with all of the cards in the end, wins.

🔚 Draw It! Warm-Up/Exit Game 

This activity can also be used as a formative assessment. Project a number card and have students draw their own set of objects that represent the digit shown.

✋ Show Me! 

Give each student a mini dry-erase board and a dry-erase marker. Project two number cards and have students write a comparative statement for the two numbers on their whiteboards, e.g. 9 is more than 3 or 9>3. When everyone has written down their answers, say, “Show Me.” Students will flip their boards, allowing you to see who needs extra support with this skill.

Get our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies here!

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access.

Wait! We have even more fun counting activities for your students!

teaching resource

Counting to 20 Task Cards

Practice counting objects up to 20 with this set of 16 task cards.