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Ladybug Number Sense Activities-Preschool Teacher 101 PDF
Ladybug Number Sense Activities-Preschool Teacher 101 PDF
Sense Activities
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From the creators of Fantastic Fun & Learning | Fun-A-Day
Home Preschool 101 | Preschool Teacher 101
Activity Cards 14
ACTIVITY MATS
The activity mats are designed to be used for small group instruction
and math centers. We recommend introducing them first in small group
so children understand how to do the activities. Then they can be
repeated in centers for additional practice.
RECORDING SHEETS
The recording sheets are closely aligned with the activity mats, and they
can be used in various ways.
They can be laminated and used with dry erase markers to be done as
an independent extension activity after students use the activity mats in
centers.
If you prefer not to use the printable mats and recording sheets, there is
a lot that can be done with the cards and manipulatives alone. We’ve
included a variety of task cards with learning goals, directions, and
extension activities to help you make the most out of the ladybug cards.
We’ve divided the task cards into four sets and made take home
packets with parent letters and mini task cards. These can be
differentiated and sent home with students for extra hands-on practice
at home.
They can also be used with in-class volunteers to help simplify planning.
MANIPULATIVES
Many of the tasks suggest the use of manipulatives so that children can
get more of a hands-on experience with these concepts. You can use
any manipulatives you have on hand. Some of our favorites for a this set
are:
1 one
2 two
4 four
5 five
7 seven
8 eight
10 ten
1 one
2 two
4 four
5 five
7 seven
8 eight
10 ten
Directions: Have students sort all of the cards with numbers into one pile, cards with number words
into another pile, and cards with sets of ladybugs into a third pile.
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or limit to a smaller set of numbers.
Matching
Task: Match the ladybug cards that represent the same number.
Directions: Have students group the cards to put all 3 ways to show a number in one pile. For
example, one pile will have the card for number 1, the card for the word one, and the card for the
set card with one dot. There will be different piles for each set of 3 cards.
Extend: Arrange the sets into an organized grid where all number cards are in a column and the rows
across show the different ways to show the number.
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or limit to a smaller set of numbers.
Directions: Use two of the sets of cards. Mix the cards. Lay them face down in rows. Take turns
turning over two of the cards to try to find two cards that show the same number. Remove
matches from the rows. Play until all cards are matched.
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or limit to a smaller set of numbers.
Catch a Bug
Task: Match the ladybug cards that represent the same number by playing
“Catch a Bug” (inspired by Go Fish).
Directions: Use two of the sets of cards. Mix the cards. Lay them face down. Give each player 5 (or
fewer) cards. Take turns asking other players if they have a specific number to try and make
matches. If the player does not have it, say “Catch a Bug” and the other player chooses from the
face down pile. The first person to match all of their cards and place them down wins.
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or limit to a smaller set of numbers. Add in
the third set of cards and make matches of all three kinds before putting the cards down.
Directions: Use one, two, or three sets of the ladybug cards. Hide them around indoors or outside.
Have kids find all of the cards. As a card is found identify the number represented on the card.
Extend: Use the cards for one of the other activities like Sorting by Kind or Matching.
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or limit to a smaller set of numbers.
Counting Sets
Task: Create sets to match a number.
Objective: Learn that numbers represent an amount. Create sets to show the amount for a given
number.
Directions: Give students all the cards with the numbers. Have students pick a number and count that
many math manipulatives to show that amount. Continue for each card in the pile.
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or limit to a smaller set of numbers.
Directions: Give students one type of card (i.e., all the cards with the numbers). Have students put
the cards in order from least to greatest or from greatest to least.
Extend: Have students identify the number that comes before or after a given number in the set.
Have students identify how many more or how many less a number is than a given number in the set.
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or limit to a smaller set of numbers.
Number Story
Task: Tell a number story.
Objective: Learn to describe a number story that shows beginning addition and subtraction
Directions: Decide whether to use a mixed set of cards or only one type of present card. Have kids
draw two cards from the pile. Create a number story to go along with the two numbers. (Be sure
to model this before expecting children to be able to do it independently)
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or limit to a smaller set of numbers.
Include three numbers as an enrichment option.
Directions: Give students one type of card (i.e., all the cards with the numbers). Have students select
one card from the pile. Gather that number of manipulatives. Then add one more and identify the
number that is one more than the number on the card.
Extend: Have students identify the number that is two more than the number on the card.
Differentiate: Use a different type of card (the dot set or number word set). Limit to a smaller
set of number card options if needed.
One Less
Task: Create a set with one less.
Directions: Give students one type of card (i.e., all the cards with the numbers). Have students select
one card from the pile. Gather that number of manipulatives. Then take one away and identify the
number that is one less than the number on the card.
Extend: Have students identify the number that is two less than the number on the card.
Differentiate: Use a different type of card (the dot set or number word set). Limit to a smaller
set of number card options if needed.
Directions: Use two or three sets of the ladybug cards. Shuffle the cards and divide them evenly
between two players. Both players flip a card to show the number. The player with the highest
amount keeps the card. Continue until one player has all the cards.
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or limit to a smaller set of numbers.
Composing
Task: Model combining two different groups to make a set.
Directions: Choose one set of cards. Have students select a card. Then use two different kinds of
math manipulatives to compose that amount. For example if the child selects the number 5 card, she
could show 1 red button and 4 black buttons.
Extend: Have students show multiple ways to compose the same numbers. For example, 2 red
buttons and 3 black buttons would be another way to show 5 in the directions above.
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or limit to a smaller set of numbers.
Directions: Choose one set of cards. Have students select a card. Add the amount of math
manipulatives to make 10. For example, if the child selects a 4 card then 6 math manipulatives would
be gathered to show that 4 and 6 makes 10.
Decomposing
Task: Model breaking apart a set to show two groups.
Directions: Choose one set of cards. Have students select a card. Show that amount using
manipulatives. Then separate that amount into two groups. For example if the child selects the
number 5 card, show the 5 manipulatives. Then break the group apart into groups of 2 and 3.
Extend: Have students show multiple ways to decompose the same number. For example, 1 ladybug
and 4 ladybugs would be another way to decompose 5 in the directions above.
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or limit to a smaller set of numbers.
Directions: Place the counting sets cards (0 to 5 only) and the number cards in two sets. Have
students choose two cards. Add the addends and choose the number card that matches the sum.
Include math manipulatives for students to model the addition sentence.
Extend: Have students write the addition sentence that goes with their number cards.
Differentiate: Work on adding to higher sums by using the full set of counting sets cards (0 to 10)
only. Have kids choose two of the cards and identify the sum by writing or saying it (instead of
finding a card with the sum).
Subtraction
Task: Model beginning subtraction facts.
Directions: Place the counting sets cards (0 to 10 only) and the number cards in two sets. Have
students choose two cards. Subtract the smaller number from the larger number, and choose the
number card that matches the difference. Include manipulatives for students to model the
subtraction sentence.
Extend: Have students write the subtraction sentence that goes with their number cards.
Number
Words
Sets
Sorting-Pocket Chart Headers (image)
Numbers
Number
Words
Sets
Ordering-Pocket Chart Headers
ORDERING
NUMBERS
Greatest
Least
Number
Numbers
Words
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101 Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Sorting Mats-Color
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101 Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Sorting Mats-B/W
Directions: Pick a ladybug card from the set. Place it with the boy.
Add ladybug manipulatives to the leaf on the right to show how many you need to add to make 10.
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Making 10
Directions: Pick a ladybug card from the set. Place it with the boy.
Add ladybug manipulatives to the leaf on the right to show how many you need to add to make 10.
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Composing Numbers
Spots in all:
Directions: Choose two ladybug cards from the pile. Write the numbers in the boxes on each side of the ladybug.
Add spots to each side of the ladybug to show your numbers. Count and record how many spots in all.
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Composing Numbers
Spots in all:
Directions: Choose two ladybug cards from the pile. Write the numbers in the boxes on each side of the ladybug.
Add spots to each side of the ladybug to show your numbers. Count and record how many spots in all.
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Directions: Choose a ladybug card from
Decomposing the 5-10 pile. Record the number. Add My number:
ladybugs to each jar to show one way to
break apart your number. Write the
Numbers numbers shown in each jar.
+ =
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Directions: Choose two ladybug cards from the pile. Place manipulatives
Adding on the leaves to match your cards. Record the numbers.
Add the numbers. Record the sum.
+ =
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Directions: Choose two ladybug cards from the pile. Show the greater
Subtracting number by placing ladybugs into the jar. Write the numbers. Take away
ladybugs to show the smaller number on the leaf. Record the difference.
- =
- =
Directions: Pick a ladybug card from the set. Place it with the child.
Add ladybug manipulatives to the jar to show one more than the number on your card. Record the number.
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
One More
Directions: Pick a ladybug card from the set. Place it with the child.
Add ladybug manipulatives to the jar to show one more than the number on your card. Record the number.
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
One Less
Directions: Pick a ladybug card from the set. Place it with the child.
Add ladybugs to the leaf to show one less than the number on your card. Write the number.
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
One Less
Directions: Pick a ladybug card from the set. Place it with the child.
Add ladybugs to the leaf to show one less than the number on your card. Write the number.
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Ladybug Numbers 1 to 5
Directions: Draw a ladybug card from the pile
Record the number, number word, or set in the correct box to match the card.
5
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Ladybug Numbers 6 to 10
Directions: Draw a ladybug card from the pile
Record the number, number word, or set in the correct box to match the card.
10
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Matching Ladybugs 1-5
Directions: Draw a line to connect the ladybugs that show the same
number, number word, and set.
1
three
2
two
3
five
4
one
5 four
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Matching Ladybugs 6-10
Directions: Draw a line to connect the ladybugs that show the same
number, number word, and set.
6
seven
7
nine
8
six
9
ten
10 eight
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Ladybug Sequencing 0-10
Directions: Place the 0 to 10 ladybug number cards in order from least to greatest.
Use the number line to fill in the missing numbers in each row of ladybugs.
Least Greatest
1 3
8
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Ladybug Sequencing 0-10
Directions: Place the 0 to 10 ladybug number cards in order from greatest to least.
Use the number line to fill in the missing numbers in each row of ladybugs.
Greatest Least
10 7
6
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Making 10
Directions: Choose a ladybug card from the pile. Draw ladybugs
or record the number in the left column. Draw ladybugs or write the
number you need to add to make 10 in the middle column. Trace the 10.
To Make 10 Amount
My Card Shows
I Add in All
10
10
10
10
10
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Composing Numbers
Directions: Choose two ladybug cards from the pile. Draw ladybugs
or record the number on each card. Count how many ladybugs in all.
Record the number in all.
Amount
Card 1 Card 2
in All
My number is:
and
and
and
+ =
+ =
+ =
+ =
+ =
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Subtracting Numbers
Directions: Choose two ladybug cards from the pile.
Draw ladybugs or record the number on each card to show the numbers.
Subtract. Record the difference.
- =
- =
- =
- =
- =
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Comparing Numbers
Directions: Choose two ladybug cards from the pile. Draw dots on the ladybugs
to match your cards. Record the numbers. Compare the numbers. Write >, <, or =.
My Number My Number
My Number My Number
Sorting Matching
by Kind Task: Match the ladybug cards that represent the same
number.
Task: Sort the ladybug cards by kind.
Objective: Learn to identify different ways to represent the
Objective: Learn to distinguish between numbers, number same number.
words, and sets.
Directions: Have students group the cards to put all 3 ways
Directions: Have students sort all of the cards with numbers to show a number in one pile. For example, one pile will have
into one pile, cards with number words into another pile, and the card for number 1, the card for the word one, and the
cards with sets of dots into a third pile. card for the ladybug with one dot. There will be different
piles for each set of 3 cards.
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or
limit to a smaller set of numbers. Extend: Arrange the sets into an organized grid where all
number cards are in a column and the rows across show the
different ways to show the number.
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101 Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Set 1 Set 1
Matching Counting
Game Sets
Task: Match the ladybug cards that represent the same Task: Create sets to match a number.
number by playing a traditional matching game.
Objective: Learn that numbers represent an amount. Create
Objective: Learn to identify different ways to represent the sets to show the amount for a given number.
same number.
Directions: Give students all the cards with the numbers.
Directions: Use two of the sets of cards. Mix the cards. Lay Have students pick a number and count that many math
them face down in rows. Take turns turning over two of the manipulatives to show that amount. Continue for each card
cards to try to find two cards that show the same number. in the pile.
Remove matches from the rows. Play until all cards are
matched. Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or
limit to a smaller set of numbers.
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or
limit to a smaller set of numbers.
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101 Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Set 2 Set 2
Ordering Number
Task: Put the ladybug cards in number order. Story
Task: Tell a number story.
Objective: Develop number sense by learning to put numbers
in numerical order. Objective: Learn to describe a number story that shows
beginning addition and subtraction
Directions: Give students one type of card (i.e., all the cards
with the numbers). Have students put the cards in order Directions: Decide whether to use a mixed set of cards or
from least to greatest or from greatest to least. only one type of ladybug card. Have kids draw two cards
from the pile. Create a number story to go along with the
Extend: Have students identify the number that comes two numbers. (Be sure to model this before expecting
before or after a given number in the set. children to be able to do it independently)
Have students identify how many more or how many less a
number is than a given number in the set. Extend: Use manipulatives to model the story.
Have kids write an addition or subtraction sentence to go
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or with the story.
limit to a smaller set of numbers.
Differentiate: Use the full set of ladybug cards (0 to 10) or
limit to a smaller set of numbers.
Include three numbers as an enrichment option.
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101 Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Ladybug Number Card Math
Set 3
Dear Families,
Developing number sense is a key focus in early math. In class we have been using ladybug
number cards for various activities. There are tons of hands-on activities you can do with them to
help develop number sense.
In this packet you will find your own set of ladybug number cards and activity suggestions to try
at home. In Set 3 there are activities focusing on helping children learn to identify one more and
one less, compare numbers, and begin composing numbers. I hope you find it a helpful and fun tool to
use as you work together at home.
Some of the activities suggest using “manipulatives.” Set 3 includes:
These can be any small items you have on hand. Plastic ladybugs, • One More
mini pom poms, play dough, beads and buttons work great. • One Less
Regards, • Play War
• Composing
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Objective: Develop number sense by identifying one more Objective: Develop number sense by identifying one less than
than a number. a number.
Directions: Give students one type of card (i.e., all the cards Directions: Give students one type of card (i.e., all the cards
with the numbers). Have students select one card from the with the numbers). Have students select one card from the
pile. Gather that number of manipulatives. Then add one pile. Gather that number of manipulatives. Then take one
more and identify the number that is one more than the away and identify the number that is one less than the
number on the card. number on the card.
Extend: Have students identify the number that is two more Extend: Have students identify the number that is two less
than the number on the card. than the number on the card.
Differentiate: Use a different type of card (the dot set or Differentiate: Use a different type of card (the dot set or
number word set). Limit to a smaller set of number card number word set). Limit to a smaller set of number card
options if needed. options if needed.
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101 Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Set 3 Set 3
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101 Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Ladybug Number Card Math
Set 4
Dear Families,
Developing number sense is a key focus in early math. In class we have been using ladybug
number cards for various activities. There are tons of hands-on activities you can do with them to
help develop number sense.
In this packet you will find your own set of ladybug number cards and activity suggestions to try
at home. In Set 4 there are activities focusing on helping children learn to make a ten, decompose
numbers, add, and subtract. I hope you find it a helpful and fun tool to use as you work together at
home.
Some of the activities suggest using “manipulatives.” Set 1 includes:
These can be any small items you have on hand. Plastic ladybugs, • Make a Ten
mini pom poms, play dough, beads and buttons work great. • Decomposing
Regards, • Addition
• Subtraction
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101 Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Set 4 Set 4
Addition Subtraction
Task: Model beginning addition facts. Task: Model beginning subtraction facts.
Objective: Learn to add numbers and identify the sum. Objective: Learn to subtract numbers and identify the
difference.
Directions: Place the counting set cards (0 to 5 only) and
the number cards in two sets. Have students choose two Directions: Place the counting sets cards (0 to 10 only) and
cards. Add the addends and choose the number card that the number cards in two sets. Have students choose two
matches the sum. Include manipulatives for students to cards. Subtract the smaller number from the larger number,
model the addition sentence. and choose the number card that matches the difference.
Include manipulatives for students to model the subtraction
Extend: Have students write the addition sentence that goes sentence.
with their number cards.
Extend: Have students write the subtraction sentence that
Differentiate: Work on adding to higher sums by using the goes with their number cards.
full set of counting sets cards (0 to 10) only. Have kids
choose two of the cards and identify the sum by writing or
saying it (instead of finding a card with the sum).
Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101 Preschool Teacher 101 TPT: ECEducation101
Thank You!
From the creators of
Fantastic Fun & Learning |Fun-A-Day
Preschool Teacher 101