Free Printable Unicorn Roll & Count Math Game for Kids

Number Sense Activities For Preschool

NUMBER RECOGNITION DICE GAMES FOR PRESCHOOLERS

COUNTING, NUMBER RECOGNTION, AND NUMBER WRITING ALL FALL UNDER THE CATEGORY OF NUMBER SENSE.

This engaging unicorn-themed die and mat will have your students begging to do math!

I’ve included two sets of dice inserts for easy differentiating. The first set uses some whimsical numerals, and the second set uses unicorn horn tally marks for kids who need more of a challenge.

Just slip the included dice inserts into your differentiated instruction cubes for some counting fun! Roll and Count math games are always fun because there is an element of surprise. There’s a different number with each roll. This keeps children’s interest up and is less prep for us.

We also love using our giant foam dice for math activities! They are so much fun to roll AND they are quieter than normal dice, so they don’t disturb the other kids. For kids who are just starting to learn numbers, they can use the traditional 1-6 die. For kids who need more of a challenge counting, use the 1-12 or 1-20 dice.

You can also use our favorite double dice to create a fun addition activity for kindergarteners (or extend it to older students by using double dice for multiplication).

• What is the biggest/smallest number you can roll?
• What sound does five start with?
• Can you count backwards?
• How fast can you count to 6?

What Can Children Learn While Working On Counting Mats in Preschool?

BUILDING NUMBER SENSE ONE BOARD GAME AT A TIME

NUMBER WORKSHEETS CAN GET BORING. WHEN KIDS AREN’T ENGAGED IN LEARNING, THEY AREN’T AS MOTIVATED TO LEARN!

These counting mats offer a lot more than a free number tracing worksheet! As each player rolls, they will have the opportunity to work on important number sense skills:

• One-to-one correspondence
• Number recognition
• Practice counting to build fluency
• Number tracing/writing numbers
• Number word writing

Why Is It Important For Kids To Work On Number Sense Activities?

Preschool free printable worksheets, tracing number worksheets, learning activities and games provide a solid foundation for future math skills.

Number Identification: Number identification is sometimes the first step towards understanding what numbers are. Kids need lots of practice to be able to look at a number and say the correct number name.

One-to One Correspondence: Counting groups of objects and assigning each object one more gives meaning to the numbers that kids identify. Then they begin understanding quantity.

Counting Fluency: Being able to count smoothly and effortlessly goes a long way toward ease with future math concepts and skills. It takes lots of counting practice to reach that level of ease.

Make Connections: Preschool counting games help kids make connections between different numbers. It helps them see 6 is greater than 2, or 5 is an odd number.

How to Make the Unicorn Roll and Count Game

To Prep:

Print the unicorn mat and laminate.

We like using the dry erase pockets for our Roll and Count activities. They are much easier and more cost effective in the long run than laminating.

Print the cube inserts and place them in your cube.

Gather your gems or erasers and set them in a bowl beside the work area.

To Play:

Roll the cube. Count the tallies, or identify the numeral. Count manipulatives onto the mat. Write the numeral and the number word. Repeat.

We have a lot of fun with these counting games. There are a variety of ways that this can be used, including using play dough, mini erasers, gems, or pretty vase fillers.

Remember you can always adapt to suit each learner’s needs. If writing the number word is too much, don’t do it.

Extend the Activity

Sensory Bin

Hide the gems in a sensory bin to add another element of mystery to this counting game for preschool. Roll, find the objects in the bin, count them onto the mat.

Addition/Subtraction

Some children might be ready to add and subtract. Use two dice. Roll a number, count it onto the mat. Roll again. Count. Then add them up!

Play a Game

Turn this into a simple partner game where children take turns with each other. Perhaps one child rolls while the other counts and then they switch.

More Roll & Count Games:

• Space Roll & Count
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Roll & Count
• Marshmallow Cereal Roll & Count

More Unicorn Activities You’ll Love:

Even More Unicorn Fun!

• Unicorn Counting Grids
• Unicorn Ten Frame Hide & Seek
• Unicorn Color Pack for Preschool