Looking for some Fall activities for preschoolers to help with number recognition? Try this easy Fall leaf number matching activity with free printable templates!
The key to getting preschoolers to focus on practicing numbers is to have a fun, hands-on activity. Take it from me, a former preschool teacher.
A printed out worksheet and a plain old pencil just don’t quite cut it when you’re trying to teach counting. But throw in some brightly colored leaf cut outs and some clothespins and you’ve got an easy counting activity that’s perfect to do at home with your kids or in the classroom.
Read on to find out how to use these printable Fall leaf templates with numbers to help with counting practice, and then grab the numbers activity printable at the end of this post!
Leaf Number Matching Supplies
To make this easy number matching activity for preschoolers you will need:
- Printed Leaf PDF – Grab the free printable template at the end of this post!
- Contact Paper OR Laminator – I prefer to use my laminator for projects like this, but if you don’t have one, then contact paper works just fine also.
- Wooden Clothes Pins
- Sharpie
- Scissors
How to Make the Leaf Number Matching Cards
Before this number matching activity is ready to go for your toddlers and preschoolers, you’ll need to actually assemble the leaf number matching cards. But don’t worry, it’s super easy! Here’s how to prep the activity:
Print the leaf template PDF on white printer paper or card stock. Then cut out each leaf.
Next, cut one large piece of contact paper and lay each leaf face down so that the front of the leaf is in contact with the sticky side of the contact paper like this:
Cut a second piece of contact paper the same size as the first piece. Place the second piece on top of the first piece with the leaves so that both sticky sides are touching to create a bond. Don’t worry if there are a few bubbles in the contact paper after you place the two sheets together. You should be able to smooth out the bubbles by rubbing the side of a credit card across the surface until all of the bubbles are pushed out.
Next, cut each leaf card out, making sure that you leave enough space all around the edge of each leaf so that the contact paper remains intact and stuck together.
Then, you just need to write numbers 1 to 10 with one number on each clothespin. And your Fall number matching activity is ready for your kids to use!
Using the Printable Templates for Numbers Practice
Once your Fall number cards are assembled, you’re ready to start using them for number matching practice with your toddlers and preschoolers. And this activity is super simple for little ones to understand, so they can practice counting independently while you get some work done!
To do the Fall number matching activity just follow these steps:
- Place all of the leaf number cards in a small basket. Add the numbered clothespins to a wide-mouthed jar or a small basket.
- Have kids draw one clothespin out of the pile. Then they search through the leaves to find the leaf that has the correct number of dots printed on it.
- When they’ve found the matching card, simply clip the clothespin to the leaf. Easy peasy!
And this activity is great for doing in the car or while waiting at a restaurant also. Just add the clothespins and leaves to Ziploc bags for an on-the-go activity!
Free Printable Fall Leaf Number Matching Templates
Just click on the link below to download the free printable Fall leaf templates for number matching and counting practice!
Click HERE for the FREE Number Matching Templates
Other Free Printable Number Learning Activities for Kids
Looking for other free printable number practice activities for preschoolers and toddlers? Check out some of my other posts that are perfect for your younger kiddos:
Free Printable Number Playdough Mats – These bright and colorful playdough mats can be laminated and used for hours of fun!
Roll and Cover Dice Games for Kids – Just print out these games, roll a pair of dice, and use a dry erase marker to cover up the number that you rolled… another super easy number learning activity for kids!
Hope you enjoyed this easy learning activity for kids! Share it with your fellow Mommas, and don’t forget to PIN this post for later:
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