Making Counting Objects to 20 Easy as Pumpkin Pie 🥧

Use this fall-themed resource in your math center, small group, or as a whole class exercise (see below) to demonstrate counting the total number of objects in a set, regardless of their arrangement or order.

Students will count the number of objects in each collection then write the total on the included recording sheet. 

Scaffolding & Extension Thanksgiving Math Activities

Challenge students who already understand the concept to write addition facts using the given sum. Or why not have them write a number that is either greater than or less than (you decide) the counted number. 

Support students who need help understanding the concepts by giving them manipulatives to place on each object as they count. This will help them to keep track of which objects they have already counted. 

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

🛴 Scoot Activity

Place the cards around the room in numerical order and give each student a recording sheet. Assign each student a number to start. Give students an appropriate amount of time to count the items and record their answers. Then say, “SCOOT.” At this time, the students will rotate to the next card. Continue in this manner until students have made it through all of the cards. 

☀️ Warm-Up/Exit Game

Display one card at a time on a document camera. Students work independently or in groups to answer the task card. Provide students with a sticky note so that they can turn in their answer as a formative assessment, making sure to write their name on it (or use our Sticky Note Printing Guide + Template).

🗂️ Scavenger Hunt

Hide the task cards around the room when your students are not around. Then, hand each student a recording sheet and set them loose! As soon as they find a card, they count the items and record their answer in the appropriate box. Students leave the card in the same spot they found it and then find the others. NOTE: You may want to make a rule of only 1 student at a card at one time. If not, things could get a little crazy! 🤪

Get our 10 Best Scaffolding Strategies here! 

Prepare This Thanksgiving Math Task a Variety of Ways

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

Keep these task cards out of pockets or under desks: cut out the cards and punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

To turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity, print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker, then erase and reuse.

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

This resource was created by Nicole Ellis, a teacher in New York and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

🍁 Fall in love with counting to 20 with this collection of activities! 

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