Dragons and Tacos Counting Activities for Math Centers
Taco Tuesday is a STAPLE in my house. Crunchy, soft, beef, chicken, spicy, mild… we don’t say no to tacos at my house. When the books Dragons Love Tacos and Dragons Love Tacos 2 by Adam Rubin came out, we were sure to get our copies and enjoy the silliness of colorful, fiery dragons gobbling down tacos. This delightful duo is a favorite in any classroom and can be incorporated into different content areas. These dragons and tacos counting activities can be used along with any Dragons Love Tacos read aloud. Your kiddos will be begging for this spicy treat after counting, using ten frames, and practicing one-to-one correspondence.
Recommended Grade Level:
Dragons & Tacos Counting Mat Supplies:
- Paper
- Playdough
- Laminating Supplies or Dry Erase Sleeve
- Dry Erase Marker
- Dice
- Clothespins
- Scissors
Learning About Math Activities For Preschoolers:
preschool counting activities
ASKING STUDENTS TO COUNT, SUBITIZE, AND IDENTIFY NUMBERS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN FUTURE MATH SKILLS. STUDENTS CAN ANSWER QUESTIONS LIKE:
How many more do I have? What do 10 objects look like in a group? How many do we need so everyone has one?
The activities included in the Dragon Love Tacos free printables: ten frames, number clips, number playdough mats, mats to show different ways of showing numbers, number identification cards, and more. Make math for preschool super fun while working on counting skills and number sense with this engaging set that coordinates perfectly with the Dragons Love Tacos book by Daniel Salmieri and also Dragons Love Tacos 2.
Use these colorful and interactive activities as a small group, individually, or even in a math center.
In addition to learning about counting for preschool and kindergarten, here are some more ideas for what you can teach about using the free printable :
- Subitizing (identifying an amount without counting)
- Writing number words and symbols
- Practice counting with one-to-one correspondence (issuing one number to each item they count)
- Practicing fine motor skills with molding playdough into numbers.
What Can Preschoolers Learn By Comparing Amounts ?
preschool math activities
ASKING STUDENTS TO COMPARE AMOUNTS CAN HELP IN REMEMBERING INFORMATION AND ORGANIZING DATA:
- Which number shows the most tacos?
- Which amount is less: 3 tacos or 11 tacos?
- How many different ways can you show the number 4?
- If you have 2 tacos and are given 5 more, how many tacos do you have?
Why Is It Important For Kids To Practice Math Skills?
Besides the fact that kids love hands on activities there are so many other reasons you should use these math activities with your child.
Developing Writing Skills
Writing skills are practiced in these activities by writing, or tracing, number words and symbols.
Fine Motor Development
When your child grasps or grips their writing tool, they are practicing fine motor skills in their hands and fingers. This helps with tying shoes, getting dressed, and cutting food.
Embedding Literacy With Math
Including books within different content areas encourages vocabulary usage, reading comprehension, and introducing different genres.
Social Development
Children will utilize social skills by taking turns and sharing in small groups or pairs. Patience and communication skills will also be practiced during these math activities.
“So many choices. Great to include repetition without boredom. Thanks!”
“This resource was sent home with students and used virtually to engage in a math activity following a reading of the book. Students were completely engaged.”
How To Use The Activity:
- Print and laminate the activity for durability. This also helps with erasing dry erase marker for additional uses.
- Mini taco erasers can be purchased and used, however any small object can be used (counters, pieces of cereal, small pieces of paper, etc.).
Using the Printable
Add the free printable counting activities to your literacy or math center! Kids can use these to compare amounts, count objects, write numerals, and practice one-to-one correspondence.
Once the posters are laminated, there a many learning activities you can use them for, including using dry erase markers.
Extend the Activity:
Matching
Use the number cards and have students play a memory matching game to match the symbols and cards with dots on them.
Create a Book
Have your students create a classroom book about another animal or made-up creature that loves a specific type of food. Display the book in the classroom library.
Adding and Subtracting
Use the mini taco erasers, or counters, to practice adding and subtracting skills.
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More Food Theme Activities!
Don’t stop here! Seriously, what kid doesn’t love playing with their food? So, naturally, learning with their food has to be a favorite too…
Get even more food activities below!
>>101 Food Activities for Kids<<
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