This activity is a fall leaves number match game that is designed to help preschoolers and kindergarten kids with number recognition. It’s the first step required before kids can start using math worksheets and solving basic math problems.
If there’s one thing that teachers don’t get enough of, it’s time.
Between school requirements, demanding parents, teacher training, and after-school meetings, teachers barely get enough time to rest at the end of the day.
The last thing a teacher needs is more work on her shoulders.
However, most teachers I know adore making their lessons fun and seasonal for their kids. They absolutely love creating and using hands-on activities and thematic units that their kids will love to do.
Many of the ideas online are complicated or expensive. Today’s math activity is neither complicated nor expensive. In fact, you probably have everything you need right now to make it, and it’s the perfect activity for fall math centers.
Want to make your own?
Here’s how:
Simple Fall Leaves Number Match Perfect for Math Centers
It doesn’t take much to make this activity. Kids will love it, and your fellow teachers will definitely want to make their own versions. Pro tip: laminate the leaves for greater durability. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for more educational fall activities perfect for any fall thematic unit!
What you’ll need for the fall leaves number match game:
- Construction paper
- Craft sticks (I used colored sticks like these)
- Permanent marker
- Laminator and laminating pockets (I love this one)
- Scissors
- Small basket
You can adapt this game to suit any number from 0-100, but in the version I made, I only did numbers 1-10.
Draw a leaf shape to use as a template. Or, if you’re design-challenged, download a template online and use that.
Cut out as many leaves as you need. You can typically cut at least 5-6 sheets of paper out at once. Cut off the stem of each leaf.
Draw a number of dots onto each leaf with a permanent marker.
Get out as many craft sticks as you have leaves. Write the numbers from 1-10 (or whatever range you want) onto the craft sticks. Write one number per stick.
The game is to match the leaves with the right number on the stick. The sticks become the stems of the leaves.
Laminate the leaves, and store the game in a small basket or container in your fall math center.
Easy, peasy, and fun!
