Pumpkin Counting Mats: A Sensory Way to Visualize Numbers

One of our early math goals is to develop a strong number sense in children. We want them to be able to identify numbers, use one-to-one matching while counting, and also to be able to subitize (visualize) quantities. These Pumpkin Counting Mats are a great way to practice all of these essential skills, in a very fun, playful and developmentally appropriate way.

To set up this learning center, we placed 2 number mats (laminated and backed onto cardstock for durability) at each place. In preschool, we are working on numbers 1-6, but later in the year we will work on numbers to 12.

Many young children are not immediately attracted to letters and numbers and may shy away from the math center. Veteran teachers know a secret, though! We have to grab their attention with something really excited. Enter: the sensory bin!

Instead of just setting the number cards and manipulatives at the center, we bury them in a small sensory bin! For these Pumpkin Number Mats, we placed all of the number cards (in this case, the 3s and 6s) along with some really cute little pumpkin counters into a plastic shoebox full of split peas and lentils. The students love these mini sensory bins! They get their “sensory fix” while also working on some academic skills.

In Pre-K we are working on identifying the numbers and then counting out the correct amount. One of the things I love about these number mats is they have support (small circles to match each number) for students who are still developing the skill. (A set of number mats without circles, for older students, is also included in the pack.)

After counting out the pumpkins then the students dig for the cards. In this bin, each card had a representation for either 3 or 6. We use tens frames, tallies, fingers, dice and clusters of pictures to show each number.

Students count the number on the card and then sort it onto the mats. Sorting is another essential early math skill. Hooray for centers that hit multiple objectives!

A finished number mat will have pumpkin counters to represent the number, and 4 picture cards as well. Their favorite part of this center is “hiding” all the pieces back in the sensory bin for the next student to play!

You can see pictures of the sensory bins we used with our Apple Counting Mats on this post.

If your students are also working on counting, number sense and sorting you can download these pumpkin counting mats HERE: Enjoy!