How to Use These Free Printable Number Cards

Add these free printable number cards, counters, & dice to an empty mint tin to create fun math activities for your classroom, at home, or on the go.

I have a collection of mint tins and plastic soap containers in my supply closet.  For some time, I have been thinking about making an activity that can be stored in the handy containers.  Well, here is the activity!   These number cards fit perfectly in the little containers.

I know that you like to be able to adapt activities for different levels of learners.  You are gonna love these because there are SOOOOO many ways that you can use the number cards to teach early math concepts to your kids.

When you sign up for my newsletter, you can receive the printable number cards for free.

How to Assemble Your Math Activity Boxes

Use metal mint tins, travel soap containers, small, plastic photo boxes, or any small containers to hold the activity components.

You may choose to make a box to be used for only one of the activities below or you may choose to make a box that can be used for multiple math activities.  Print the number and direction cards that you need.  Laminate the cards for durability.

The free printable includes:

• 2 sets of 1-12 number cards (red and blue)
• direction cards for 9 different activities
• 2 printable container covers

You will need to add some counters to each container.  I like to use two different colors of counters.  Here are some materials that you can use for counters:

• buttons
• plastic bottle caps
• some of the bazillion mini erasers that you have purchased from the Target Dollar Spot.

A small amount of playdough can be added to the tin too.  Kids can roll little balls of playdough to make their own counters.

Some of the activities below require dice, so stuff some in the box too.  Finally, use double stick tape to add a cover to the box.  This isn’t necessary, but I think it looks much better that way.

Number Activities

Need some ideas for using the number cards?  Here are a bunch of fun activities.  Directions cards are included so that you can add them to your container for your reference.

Counting Objects

Let a child select a number card from the pile.  He or she can then count and place the correct number of counters beside the card

Number Order

Shuffle a set of 1-6 number cards so that they are in random order.  Ask a child to put the cards in order from smallest to largest.  If 6 cards are too many for the child, start with 3.  You can also adapt this activity by adding more cards as needed.

Number Order with a Die

Ask a child to put a set of 1-6 cards in order from smallest to largest.  He or she can then roll a die and turn over the card with the matching number. Continue to play until all cards have been turned over.

Number Order with 2 Dice

This time, ask a child to put a set of 1-12 cards in order from smallest to largest.  After rolling the dice, he or she should turn over one card that matches a single die or turn over a card that matches the sum of both dice.  For example….. If a 4 and 6 are rolled, a 4, 6, or 10 card can be turned over.  Continue until all cards have been turned over.

Memory Matching

Mix up 2 sets of cards. Spread them face down.  Players take turns flipping over 2 of the cards.  If the numbers match, the player keeps them. If they do not match, the player turns them back over. Continue until all of the cards have been matched.

Comparing Quantities

Place 1-6 cards in a line in random order. Ask a child to place the corresponding number of counters by each card. Then, you can ask all kinds of questions.  Which has the most counters? Which has the fewest counters?

Making Numbers

Select one number card & represent the number with two different colors of counters.  Example: You can make the number 5 with 2 red + 3 blue robots, 4 red + 1 blue robot, etc. How many different ways can you make the number on the card? By the way, the robots are a favorite from my collection of bazillion mini erasers.

War – for 2 Players

Shuffle & give each player half the cards. Players should keep their cards face down in a pile.   Each player turns over the top card from the pile. The player who has the largest number on his or her card takes both cards. Continue until 1 player has all of the cards.

How Many are Missing?

Select a number card & ask a child to place the same number of counters beside the card.

Now, ask the child to close his eyes….no peaking!  While his eyes are closed cover 1 or more of the counters.  When he opens his eyes, ask the child to tell you how many counters are covered.

Additional Ideas

• One More or One Less – Select a card and ask a child to add one more to the number.  Ask them what number is one less than the number.
• Guess the Numeral – Cover the dot pattern and a portion of the numeral on a card.  Ask children to guess what number is on the card.
• Exercise by the Numbers – Ask a child to select an exercise or movement (jumping-jacks, spins, etc…..)  Select a number card and perform the exercise or movement for the selected number of times.

Ideas for Using the Number Activity Boxes

As I mentioned earlier, you can assemble boxes that can be used for a bunch of activities or you can make a box that is for only one activity.  For example, you may want children to focus on counting 1-5….. so you can assemble some take-home activity boxes containing only 1-5 cards, 5 counters, and a counting objects direction card.  Here are some ways that you can use the boxes:

• math centers
• take-home activity boxes
• gift for your students
• screen-free entertainment for kids while waiting at restaurants and appointments

Download Your Printable Number Cards Today

Are you ready to put your bazillion mini erasers to work?  I am offering the printable number cards for free when you sign up for my newsletter.  Add your name and email address to the form below, and I will send them directly to your inbox.  I hope that you and your kids enjoy using the printable.