Space Counting Mats for Hands on Counting and Addition

 Make learning to count exciting with Space Counting Mats! Practice counting to 10 or simple addition with the free printable mats.

Space is a fascinating place.  Full of awe and wonder.  I think it’s one of the first themes a lot of kids attach on to.  Not only can they clearly see into it every night but they cannot just go there.  It is mysterious yet available.  I love to do space activities with my kids.  They never fail to ask an awesome question and I rarely know the answers to those questions.  It’s a great experience for us all!

Space week is over, but I still have a few goodies!  Don’t forget to look back at all the space fun we had last week!

 

How to Set Up the Space Counting Mats

Unless you want to draw on the mats with a dry erase marker, laminating is not really necessary.  Although, you’ll probably want to laminate the planets so they stay nice longer.

Supplies:
Cardstock
Gems
Laminator (for the planets)

 

Just print the pages, cut the cards in half, and cut the planets out.  Then you’re ready to go!

If you don’t have gems, any small object will work!  Small erasers, cheerios, dot stickers, dot markers, etc.

How to Use the Space Counting Mats

How you use the mats will depend on the age of your child.

When we use counting mats we usually choose one or two numbers to work on at a time.  For counting purposes, count out the planets first and then the small objects on the ten frame.

To practice addition, we also use one or two cards at a time.  You can use two different colors of gems to symbolize the different numbers you’re adding.  See how many different ways you can add to the number (0+7, 1+6, 2+5, etc).  You may want to write down all of your equations!

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