Fun Rainbow Bear Counting Cards Numbers 1-10 for Preschool

We love our rainbow bears! I think they are the most versatile manipulative for early childhood education. You can use them to learn so many skills! Colors, counting, sizes, sorting, addition, patterns and so much more! These free printable rainbow bear counting cards are the perfect way to introduce counting from 1-10. The one-to-one correspondence makes it easy for little learners to recognize how high to count on each card. They are the perfect addition to our counting card sets!

Preschoolers thrive on hands-on learning, and Rainbow Bear Counting Cards provide just that. These cards, paired with classic rainbow bear manipulatives, offer a visual and tactile way for kids to practice counting, number recognition, and one-to-one correspondence.

Rote Counting vs. One-to-One Correspondence: What’s the Difference?

Many preschoolers can rattle off numbers in order—”one, two, three, four…”—without actually understanding what those numbers mean. This is called rote counting, and while it’s an important early skill, it doesn’t necessarily show a child’s understanding of quantity. One-to-one correspondence, on the other hand, is when a child correctly matches one object to one number as they count. This is a crucial step in early math development because it helps children grasp the concept that numbers represent real quantities.

How to Teach One-to-One Correspondence with Rainbow Bear Counting Cards

Rainbow Bear Counting Cards make this concept concrete by encouraging kids to physically place one bear on each image on the card as they count aloud. This ensures they aren’t just reciting numbers but actually connecting those numbers to objects. For children who struggle with this, try guiding their hand to place one bear at a time while emphasizing each number. You can also have them tap each bear as they count to reinforce the idea that each number corresponds to a single item.

Using these rainbow bear counting cards for both rote counting and one-to-one correspondence gives children a strong mathematical foundation. They first practice saying numbers in order, and then they move on to truly understanding what those numbers mean in the real world. This combination of skills sets them up for success in future math learning!

Hands-On Learning with Rainbow Bear Counting Cards

Each card features a number along with a matching number of bear images, guiding children to place the correct number of rainbow bear counters on the card. This self-correcting activity is great for independent practice, small groups, or even as a math center staple. These rainbow bear counting cards fit perfectly with our rainbow bear activities for preschool.

But that’s not all—while we’re talking about these fun rainbow bear counting cards, I can’t help but think of all the other hands-on math activities you need to try! If your little one loves working with rainbow bears, be sure to check out our Rainbow Bear Pattern Cards and Sorting Game. And if you’re looking for more themed counting fun, take a look at our Farm Animal Counting Mats for a different twist on early math skills.

Need more counting activities for kids? Try these!

1. Playdough Ten Frame Counting Mats
2. Clip Card Counting Activities
3. Pom Pom Counting Mats
4. Counting Bears Dice Game

Materials Needed For Rainbow Bear Counting Cards

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How to Use Rainbow Bear Counting Cards

Simple Set-Up, Big Learning

One of my favorite things about Rainbow Bear Counting Cards is how easy they are to prep. Simply print, laminate (optional), and pair them with rainbow bear counters. Kids can then place the correct number of bears on each card, reinforcing number recognition and quantity matching.

Why Kids Love It (and Why You Will Too!)

• Hands-on, Tactile Learning – Little fingers love placing the colorful bears on the cards.
• Independent & Self-Correcting – Kids can check their own work, boosting confidence.
• Versatile for Many Math Skills – Beyond counting, use the cards for addition, subtraction, or even sorting by color!

To prep: Print and laminate the rainbow bear counting cards (download below). 

To use: Have your child cover the bears on the counting cards with the correct number of bears.

These cards are perfect to new learners who are not ready for independent counting. The kids simply cover each bear on the card as they are counting. That way they know when to stop for each number.

How Do You Make Rainbow Bear Counting Cards Even More Fun?

• Add a Sensory Element – Want to take the fun up a notch? Place the rainbow bears in a sensory bin filled with kinetic sand, rice, or pom-poms. Kids can dig through, find the bears, and then place them on the correct card. This not only enhances their counting skills but also provides a soothing sensory experience that many children find engaging and calming.
• Incorporate Movement – Who says counting has to be a sit-down activity? Turn it into a fun, active game by hiding the rainbow bears around the room. Have children search for them and bring back the correct number to match their counting card. This gets kids up and moving, making it a perfect way to engage those little learners who need to wiggle while they work!
• Make it a Game – Learning is always more fun with a buddy! Partner kids up and have one child call out a number while the other finds the correct card and places the right number of bears on it. You can even turn it into a friendly competition by timing them to see how quickly they can match all the numbers correctly. This promotes teamwork and adds an extra level of excitement to the activity.

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Ways to Modify for Different Learning Needs

Every child learns differently, so here are some easy ways to modify this activity:

1. For Younger Learners: If your little ones are just starting to learn numbers, begin with cards that feature numbers 1-5. Once they feel confident, gradually introduce higher numbers. This step-by-step approach prevents frustration and helps build confidence in early counting skills.
2. For Extra Challenge: Want to stretch their math skills? Have children count out loud as they place each bear, reinforcing number sequencing and auditory learning. You can also encourage them to add one more bear to each card to introduce the concept of addition or take one away to explore subtraction.
3. For Kids Who Need More Movement: Some kids learn best when they’re in motion! Turn this activity into a scavenger hunt by hiding the counting cards around the room and having children find the matching bears. This engages gross motor skills and makes learning feel like an adventure.
4. For Visual Learners: Bright, colorful visuals can make all the difference! Encourage children to create color patterns while placing the bears on the cards. For example, if a card shows the number 4, they could place two red bears and two blue bears in a pattern. This strengthens both counting and early pattern recognition skills.
5. For Fine Motor Practice: Strengthen little hands while learning! Instead of placing the bears with their fingers, give children tweezers or tongs to pick up and position each bear. This simple adjustment helps develop hand strength and coordination, which are important for writing and other fine motor tasks.

Rainbow Bear Counting Cards are a simple yet engaging way to build early math skills in preschoolers. With easy prep, endless modifications, and tons of hands-on fun, this activity is a must-try in any early childhood setting!

Have you tried this activity? Leave a comment and let us know how it worked for your little learners! And don’t forget to check out our full collection of preschool activities.

More Rainbow Bear Activities for Kids:

• Rainbow Bear Graphing Set
• Rainbow Bear Size Order Cards
• Rainbow Bear Dice Game
• Rainbow Bear Color Matching Game

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