Last month I posted free spinner games for counting to 100 – the criteria being that the available learning time was 3 minutes or less! They have been popular so I thought I’d create another ‘3 minute’ activity, this time using Cootie Catchers (or Fortune Tellers) for learning numbers. You can download them for free at the end of this post.
I have included:
- numerals
- tally marks
- ten frames
- groups of objects
It’s helpful for children to be familiar with different ways of representing numbers. Not only because it’s a necessary skill for math competence but because seeing numbers represented in a variety of ways gives more opportunity for children to understand the meaning behind them.
How to Play
1. Print and fold the Cootie Catchers – full instructions are in the download. Kids can certainly make these, they’re great for working those fine motor skills but they will need some supervision and/or assistance.
2. One child holds the Cootie Catcher and pairs with a friend.
3. The friend chooses a number and they count out that number while the Cootie Catcher is moved up and out.
4. The friend looks at the tally marks (or ten frames) and chooses a number. Again, the Catcher is moved up and out as they count it out.
5. Looking at the ten frames (or tally marks) the friend chooses a last number. This time the flap under that number is opened to reveal a number of symbols. They need to count them and say how many there are. Then they can swap so they’ve both had a turn using the Cootie Catcher.
There are 3 Cootie Catchers in this set covering numbers 1-4, 5-8 and 9-12. The symbols for the higher numbers are purposely grouped in ways to encourage children to practice subitizing, that is, knowing how many just by looking rather than by counting each object.
Download here
I do hope you enjoy using these. You can DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COOTIE CATCHERS HERE.
What other concepts would you like covered in this ‘only have a minute’ series? Let me know and I’ll see what I can create!
Thanks very much for sharing. These look like lots of fun. I’ve only just discovered your blog and I am enjoying reading through it.
Thanks SuAnna,
It’s great to have you here!
Another outstanding, original idea!!
Thanks for the lovely compliment, Erica!
Your freebies are wonderful!! Thanks a lot for sharing them!!!
You’re very welcome, Covadonga. I’m glad you’re finding the materials useful!
Lovely material – thank you for the generous sharing 🙂
Thanks, Rafia and welcome to my blog!
Hi Liz, I’m from Brazil and I want to thank you soo much for all this printables! They’re amazing. My 5 years old son love the fortune teller! (Sorry the grammar kkkk)
Welcome Janaina, thanks so much for letting me know. I’m very glad your son is enjoying himself. Learning comes so much easier when kids are happy and engaged!