Free Printable Frog Skip Counting Lily Pads Game
let’s talk about frogs, fun, and foundational math skills—because when you can combine all three in one activity, you know you’ve hit the preschool jackpot! Whether you’re a classroom teacher, homeschool mom, or that magical mix of both, this Frog Skip Counting Gross Motor Game is here to make your math block hoppin’ good fun. If you’ve got wiggly learners (I mean, is there any other kind in preschool or kindergarten??), this activity will channel all that movement into meaningful learning.
Recommended Grade Level:
Materials for :
- Paper
- Laminating Supplies
- Scissors
- Strong Tape
Skip counting can feel a little abstract for littles who are still working on one-to-one correspondence and number recognition, but when you turn it into a game? Magic. Pure magic. We’re talking about frog masks, lily pads, hopping, and counting by 5s—all wrapped up into one super simple-to-prep activity. And trust me, when your kids are begging to play it again and again, you’ll know it’s a keeper.
Whether you’re jumping into a spring frog unit, working on counting goals, or just need a movement break that doesn’t include chaos, this Frog Skip Counting game is going to be your new favorite go-to.
Must Read: Frog Pond Habitat & Sensory Bin
Introducing Skip Counting to Preschoolers and Kindergarteners
Let’s be real for a sec: skip counting isn’t exactly a day-one skill. It builds on so many foundational concepts like rote counting, number order, one-to-one correspondence, patterning, and even fine motor (if you’re using manipulatives). But the amazing thing is, you can start introducing it in playful, age-appropriate ways before kids are ready to master it.
In preschool, skip counting usually looks like singing and dancing through songs or hopping along a number path. In kindergarten, you might see kids using a number chart or grouping objects into sets. But no matter the age, the key is exposure without pressure.
Skip counting lays the groundwork for multiplication, patterns, and even money skills later on. And you don’t need to sit with a worksheet (unless your kid begs for one, like my Shiloh does occasionally!) to start building this skill. Let them move. Let them play. Let them hop into it.
Need some more ideas? Here are a few other fun skip counting activities from the blog:
Must Read: Frog Number Lines for Addition and Subtraction
What Skills Does This Frog Skip Counting Gross Motor Game Cover?
You might think this game is just about counting, but oh my goodness, it’s got so much going on under the surface… like a tadpole turning into a frog!
Math Skills: Obviously, the big focus is skip counting by 5s. But kids also strengthen their number recognition, pattern recognition, and early multiplication understanding. Even if they don’t fully “get” multiplication yet, skip counting is the first baby step.
Gross Motor Skills: Hopping, balancing, bending, reaching—every single movement in this game supports those big body muscles that help kids with coordination and core strength.
Bonus: it helps burn off that mid-morning wiggle energy so kids can focus later.
Listening & Following Directions: When you say, “Hop to the next lily pad that comes after 10!” kids need to process, remember the skip counting sequence, and act on it. That’s working memory in action!
Social Skills: If you have kids play in small groups or take turns with the frog mask, they practice patience, turn-taking, and cheering each other on. Win-win-win.
How to Play the Lily Pad Skip Counting Game
Here’s everything you need to get those little froggies hopping and counting by 5s:
Instructions:
- Print, laminate, and cut out the lily pads and frog face masks.
- Securely tape the lily pads to the floor in a straight or curvy path. I like using painter’s tape because it won’t damage your floors.
- Attach a string or elastic to the frog face masks so the kids can wear them.
- Have the kids hop from lily pad to lily pad while counting by 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25…
You can mix it up by playing follow-the-leader, setting a timer to see how many they can count in one minute, or calling out numbers for them to find. It’s easy to adapt, and every version is a blast!
Teaching Skip Counting Through Play
Kids learn best through play. Period. And that includes math. When we introduce skip counting through play, we’re helping kids make meaningful connections without the stress or pressure of “getting it right.”
Play creates a low-stakes learning environment where kids feel safe to explore. It lets them learn at their own pace, try new things, and make mistakes without fear. Plus, they remember what they do way better than what they just hear.
By turning skip counting into a hopping game, we give kids the chance to move their bodies, engage their minds, and truly experience numbers in action. It’s like a math story they get to act out!
Need more math play ideas? Try these next:
FAQ: Frog Skip Counting & Beyond!
What age is skip counting appropriate for?
You can start exposing kids to skip counting in preschool through songs, games, and movement. Most children begin to master it in kindergarten and first grade
How can I make this game easier for younger kids?
Start with fewer lily pads and focus on counting up to 15 or 20. You can also model the hop-and-count first or let them walk if hopping is too hard.
Can I use this activity for counting by 2s or 10s?
Absolutely! Just create or write different numbers on the lily pads. Just flip them over or use the blank lily pads that are included with the game. The same setup works for all skip counting patterns.
How can I support non-verbal or lower-motor students?
Use a pointer or a toy frog they can move with their hands to “hop” from lily pad to lily pad. Use visual number lines or communication boards for extra support.
What else can I do with the skip counting mats?
Use them for scavenger hunts, number matching games, dry erase tracing, or story prompts (“What happens to the frog when he lands on 15?”)
Differentiation Ideas
One of the best things about this game is how EASY it is to adapt.
- Beginner Learners: Use fewer lily pads and focus just on 5, 10, 15. Sing a song as you go.
- Advanced Learners: Count backward by 5s, or use dice to skip count random numbers.
- Sensory Support: Add soft cushions under the lily pads or let kids use a plush frog to do the hopping.
- Fine Motor Boost: Use mini frog erasers to mark each lily pad after hopping, or give kids a dry erase board to write the next number before they jump.
Skip Counting Songs on YouTube
Here are a few bouncy tunes that get kids skip counting by 5s without even realizing it:
Skip Counting by Fives from Jack Hartmann
Count by Five Song from The Singing Walrus
Skip Counting by 5 Song from Have Fun Teaching
- Counting by Fives by Tensy Schmidt – This book introduces early learners to skip counting in a clear, visual way with lots of repetition and colorful illustrations.
- Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On by Lois Ehlert – Not specifically about skip counting, but a vibrant book that supports counting in groups and visual discrimination skills.
- Centipede’s 100 Shoes by Tony Ross – A hilarious tale of a centipede trying to find the right shoes, using counting and grouping strategies along the way.
- Arctic Fives Arrive by Elinor J. Pinczes – Set in the chilly Arctic, this clever book uses a group of animals arriving in sets of five to sneak in skip counting practice.
Ready to Hop In?
Are you ready to turn your room into a froggy math adventure?! Download the Frog Skip Counting Gross Motor Game today and get your kiddos counting by 5s in the most ribbiting way possible! 🐸
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