Free Printable Counting to 5 Game: Construction Theme

Introducing Counting to Preschoolers

When we’re working with preschoolers on counting, we’re doing so much more than helping them memorize a string of number words. That part-reciting “one, two, three, four, five”-is rote counting. It’s a fantastic early step, but it’s just the tip of the math iceberg.

What we really want is for kids to understand that those number words represent actual quantities. That the word “three” means three objects. Three trucks. Three blocks. Three snacks (and trust me, they know how to count their fruit snacks!). This deeper understanding is called one-to-one correspondence, and it’s a key concept for all future math skills.

But here’s the thing—young children need LOTS of concrete experiences before these ideas click.

That’s why we:

• Count blocks as we stack them
• Line up toy animals and count them one at a time
• Clap, stomp, jump, or tap to make numbers real through movement

This free printable counting to 5 game brings all of that together. It gives young children multiple representations of each number-dots, trucks, dice, dominoes, number words, and numerals-so they can begin making those important mental connections.

We’re not just memorizing. We’re seeing, touching, and doing math in a way that feels natural and joyful.

And when we make math feel like play? Kids build confidence, curiosity, and a real love for learning. 💗

Materials List

To prep this game, you’ll need:

• The printable game board and card pages (grab yours below!)
• White cardstock or plain paper
• Scrapbook paper (for printing on the back of cards so they’re not see-through)
• Laminator (optional but HIGHLY recommended for durability)
• Game markers (mini erasers, Unifix cubes, coins, etc.)

TO PREP:

This game is super easy to prepare!

Print the game board on paper or card stock. Then print the 2 pages of cards on the white side of scrapbook paper (so they aren’t see-through.)

Then laminate all the pieces for durability and cut out the cards.

How to Play the Construction Zone Counting Game”

This game is SO easy to learn, even if your kiddos have never played a board game before. 🙌

1. Place all player markers on the “Start” space.
2. Shuffle the cards and place them in a stack face-down as the Card Draw Pile.
3. The first player draws a card, identifies the number (either by counting or recognizing it), and moves to the next matching number space.
4. If a player lands on a space with an arrow, they must follow it.
5. If they draw a “Construction Zone” card, they move to the nearest Construction Zone on the path—even if it’s backward.
6. The game continues until someone lands on the final space with the number 5—but here’s the catch: you MUST draw a 5 to win!

Extended Ways to Use the Counting Cards

These number cards are packed with learning possibilities far beyond just playing the board game. Here are several intentional, hands-on ways to stretch this set of cards into multiple preschool counting activities. These ideas are perfect for differentiating instruction or building routines that reinforce number recognition and number sense in fun, low-prep ways.

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1. Sort the cards by matching numbers

How it works: Mix all the different card styles together, numerals, dots, trucks, dice, dominoes, and number words, and lay them face-up on a table or floor. Invite the child to find and group all the cards that represent the same number.

What it teaches: Sorting helps children visually connect multiple representations of numbers. They begin to understand that “3” can look like a numeral, three dots, or three toy trucks, and they ALL mean the same amount.

Differentiation tip: Start with just 1-3 if your learner is just getting started. For advanced kids, add in ALL the styles at once and see if they can sort them independently.

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2. Put each type of card in numerical order

How it works: Select one card style (like all the dominoes or all the dice). Mix them up and ask your child to arrange them from 1 to 5.

What it teaches: This strengthens sequencing and number order, two critical skills for understanding patterns and preparing for addition and subtraction.

Differentiation tip: If your learner struggles with order, use a number line as a visual scaffold or provide a model and remove one card at a time for them to fill in.

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3. Play “Memory” using two sets of 1-5 cards

How it works: Choose two card styles that clearly represent the numbers (for example, number words and dice). Lay them all face-down in a grid. Players take turns flipping over two cards to try to find a match (same number, different format).

What it teaches: Visual discrimination, memory, matching, and symbolic representation. It also helps build stamina for following turn-taking rules.

Pro tip: This version of memory is MUCH more accessible than matching identical cards. It encourages true number sense rather than simple visual pairing.

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4. Play a preschool-friendly version of “Go Fish”

How it works: Shuffle one set of 1-5 cards and deal three to each player. Place the rest in a draw pile. Players ask each other, “Do you have a 2?” If the other player has a matching number (from any card type), they hand it over. If not, the player draws from the pile.

What it teaches: Number identification and social communication! It’s a gentle introduction to card games and builds confidence for more complex games later.

Bonus idea: Add in a rule that the player must say the number AND count the dots or trucks on the card to reinforce counting skills.

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5. Lay out a set of 1-5 cards, remove one, and ask “What’s missing?”

How it works: Choose one style of cards (start with numerals, then move to dots or dominoes). Place cards in order from 1 to 5. Without your child looking, remove one card. Ask, “What number is missing?”

What it teaches: This builds number order fluency and visual memory. It also gives practice with verbalizing numbers and identifying gaps in a sequence.

Tip: For a challenge, flip the cards face-down afterward and have them point to where the missing card should go!

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6. Explore “more” and “less” with simple comparisons

How it works: Choose any two cards and ask your child which one has more or less. You can use visual clues (dots or pictures) or introduce vocabulary by modeling: “This card shows 4. This card shows 2. Four is more than two.”

What it teaches: Comparing quantities is a foundational math skill that supports addition and subtraction concepts later on. Plus, it’s a natural entry point for math talk during play.

Extension: Sort the entire set from least to greatest. Or do the reverse and talk about which number has the most trucks or which has fewer dots.

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🛠 Bonus Use: Build number mats or center activities

Glue a few cards onto file folders or trays to create reusable math centers. For example:

• Match the card to the correct ten frame
• Use play dough or mini erasers to show the matching amount
• Roll a die and find a card that represents the same number

Why it works: Repurposing your printables helps keep things fresh and reduces burnout on both sides of the classroom table (ask me how I know… 😅).

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These activities make your free printable counting to 5 game way more than just a game. It becomes a multi-skill math toolbox you can use throughout your day: morning work, centers, early finishers, or even at home with parents who ask, “What can I do to help?”

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this counting to 5 board game.

Print it. Prep it. Play it. And don’t forget to sneak a piece of chocolate while they’re counting trucks… I mean, you earned it.

Let me know how your kiddos love this game. I can’t wait to hear how you use it in your classroom or at home!

More Counting Activities You’ll Love:

• Summer Counting Book
• Shark Play Dough Counting Mat
• Foam Block Counting Cards

More Board Games:

• Summer Sun Emotions Board Game
• Little Pet Matching Board Game
• Addition Facts Board Game