Caterpillar Number Cards

Print and cut out these caterpillar number cards for numbers 1–5. Use them during the lesson to build and count caterpillar segments.

Card Layout:

• Card 1: Number “1” with one green caterpillar segment image



• Card 2: Number “2” with two green caterpillar segment images



• Card 3: Number “3” with three green caterpillar segment images



• Card 4: Number “4” with four green caterpillar segment images



• Card 5: Number “5” with five green caterpillar segment images

Instructions for Teacher:

1. Print these cards on cardstock for durability.
2. Cut along the lines to separate each card.
3. Laminate if desired.
4. Use during introduction and guided practice to help students identify quantities and build caterpillar models.

Materials Linked:

Caterpillar Number Cards

Addition Recording Sheet

Use your caterpillar pieces to build each addition problem. Write the numbers, then write the total in the space provided.

1. ___ + ___ = ___
   
   
   
2. ___ + ___ = ___
   
   
   
3. ___ + ___ = ___
   
   
   
4. ___ + ___ = ___
   
   
   
5. ___ + ___ = ___
   
   
   
6. ___ + ___ = ___
   
   
   

Draw and color the caterpillar for one of your addition problems below to show how you combined the segments:

Counting Safari Recording Sheet

Use your animal counters to count the critters for each number. For each prompt, write the number in the blank and draw that many critters.

1. Number: ___ Draw here:
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Number: ___ Draw here:
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Number: ___ Draw here:
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Number: ___ Draw here:
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Number: ___ Draw here:
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Number: ___ Draw here:
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Number: ___ Draw here:
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Number: ___ Draw here:
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. Number: ___ Draw here:
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. Number: ___ Draw here:
    
    
    
    
    
    

Safari Walk Game

Objective: Students will practice counting critters up to 10 in a small-group game, reinforcing one-to-one correspondence and recording their results.

Materials:

• Critter Counting Cards (1–10)
• A die (1–6) or spinner (1–10)
• Animal counters or counting cubes
• Counting Safari Recording Sheet for each student
• Dry-erase boards & markers (optional for quick checks)
• Visual timer (optional)

Setup (2 minutes)

• Form groups of 3–4 students.
• Give each group one die/spinner, one set of Critter Counting Cards, and a pile of counters.
• Ensure each student has a fresh recording sheet and marker.
• Explain that they are taking a “safari walk” to count critters.

How to Play (10–12 minutes)

1. Roll & Reveal: Player 1 rolls the die (or spins) to get a number (1–6 or 1–10).
2. Match & Count: The group locates the matching Critter Counting Card and places that many animal counters in a line.
3. Group Count: Students count the counters aloud together, pointing one-to-one.
4. Record: Each student writes the rolled number in the next blank on their Counting Safari Recording Sheet and draws that many critters in the drawing box.
   
   
   
   
5. Pass & Repeat: Pass the die/spinner to the next player. Continue until sheets are filled or time ends.

Closing & Assessment (3–5 minutes)

• Gather whole class and ask volunteers to share one recorded number and show their drawing.
• Call out random numbers (e.g., 4, 7, 10) and have students show that many counters or drawings on their dry-erase boards.
• Provide positive feedback and note any students who may need additional one-to-one correspondence support.

Teacher Tips & Differentiation

• Use the visual timer to keep each turn brisk (1–2 minutes per round).
• For students needing extra support, restrict rolls to numbers 1–5.
• Encourage peer helpers: stronger counters can assist classmates who are still mastering counting.
• Celebrate correct counts with a quick group cheer to keep motivation high.

Critter Counting Cards

Print and cut out these cards for counting practice from 1 to 10. Each card features a large numeral and matching critter images to help students visually connect the numeral to its quantity.

Card Layout:

• Card 1: Number “1” with one animal silhouette image



• Card 2: Number “2” with two animal silhouette images



• Card 3: Number “3” with three animal silhouette images



• Card 4: Number “4” with four animal silhouette images



• Card 5: Number “5” with five animal silhouette images



• Card 6: Number “6” with six animal silhouette images



• Card 7: Number “7” with seven animal silhouette images



• Card 8: Number “8” with eight animal silhouette images



• Card 9: Number “9” with nine animal silhouette images



• Card 10: Number “10” with ten animal silhouette images

Instructions for Teacher:

1. Print the cards on cardstock or heavy paper for durability.
2. Cut along the borders to separate each card.
3. Optionally laminate for repeated use.
4. Use the cards during whole-class instruction, small-group activities, or the Safari Walk Game.
5. Encourage students to point to each critter image as they count to reinforce one-to-one correspondence.

Critter Clap Count

Objective: Get bodies and brains moving while reinforcing number recognition and one-to-one correspondence through rhythmic clapping.
Time: 3–5 minutes
Materials: Critter Counting Cards (optional), clear floor space or carpet area

How to Play

1. Gather & Explain: Have students stand in a semicircle or carpet circle. Explain that they will clap once for each critter they “see.”
2. Show & Clap: Display one of the Critter Counting Cards (or simply call out a number). Students look, then clap exactly that many times—slow and steady for one-to-one correspondence.
3. Count Aloud: After the claps, ask the class, “How many claps did you hear?” Students respond in unison to reinforce the count.
4. Echo Variation (Optional): Teacher says a number (e.g., “Seven!”) and students echo back by clapping seven times.
5. Speed Round (Optional): Increase the fun by flashing cards more quickly or calling numbers in succession—students keep up the clapping.

Teacher Tips

• For students who need extra support, let them tap their thighs or a drum instead of clapping.
• To challenge higher achievers, ask them to clap twice the number called (e.g., call 4, they clap 8).
• Use upbeat music or a simple beat on a classroom drum to maintain rhythm and engagement.
• Praise clear, accurate clapping (“Great job clapping five times for five critters!”) before moving on.
• Wrap up by inviting two or three volunteers to choose a card and lead the next round, reinforcing leadership and number sense.