Bring the joy of Christmas into your next lesson with these adorable elf number mats. These whimsical mats help kids build number recognition skills, counting skills, set-building skills, and more. Best of all, the fun theme will keep kids engaged throughout the activity.
Using the Elf Number Mats
Start by printing the number mats and laminating them if desired. To save plastic, I usually skip laminating my activities. In this case, though, laminating does make the mats easier to use. If you don’t want to laminate every page, these reusable, wipeable pockets are a slightly more environmentally friendly option.
Once the mats are ready to go, have your kiddos use the mats starting in the top left corner. In the beginning, you’ll likely have to read the number word aloud to your student. Have them repeat the word while pointing to it. This may seem like a frivolous step, but it will help them learn to recognize the word over time.
Next, have your kids use pom-poms, wax sticks, playdough, or dry erase markers to fill in the number outline. You’ll only be able to use the markers if the pages are laminated or if you have the plastic pockets. After that, your kids will tap the number after locating it in a set of three.
Then, the most adorable part, they can count the printed set of elves and build their own set using these adorable elf mini erasers or red and green pom-poms.
As an important side note, if you have students who still put inappropriate items in their mouths, the erasers may be a bit small. For those kiddos, they can use a dry-erase marker to draw the set instead. They can even just make simple dots instead of trying to draw actual elves.
The last step is to have your child finger trace the number word on the bottom right corner of the page. This extra step, beyond initially reading the word, will really help them commit the spelling of each number to memory.
Supplies Needed
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- Printable number mats (download them from the link at the bottom)
- Craft supplies like playdough or wax sticks
- Counters
- Laminating sheets (optional)
Adapting the Mats for Different Needs
If motor impairments make picking up small objects difficult for your student, dot markers and bingo daubers are another excellent way to fill in the ten-frame for building the sets.
If these number mats are a bit too involved for some of your kiddos, we also offer basic printable number cards in different themes. These are great for using with felt boards and simple hook and loop tabs. They are also a great way to engage students to need to answer via eyegaze.
No matter the needs of your students, I hope you will find these printable elf number mats a joyful addition to your home or classroom.
Other Fun Number Activities Kids Love
Elf Activity
Adorable Gingerbread Counting Mats For a Festive Christmas Lesson
