Playtime Learning
Ladybird Counting Activity
Kids count out the spots on each ladybird and place them on the correct numbered leaf.
By doing this they are practising counting, through counting out the spots. And number recognition, through placing the ladybird on the correct leaf.
It’s a fun, colourful way to learn numbers and to practise counting to 10.
Summary:
Time: 10 minutes
Age: Little kids to Big kids
Difficulty to make: Easy peasy
Skills: Counting to 10
You will need:
- Free Ladybird Counting Activity – click to download and print
- Scissors
Step 1: Print out your ladybirds and leaves
Click to download and print out the activity:
Cut out the leaves and ladybirds.
If you want to make them sturdier – so you can reuse them over and over again – you can either print them onto card or laminate them.
Set out the leaves on a table in order from 1 to 10.
Your child might be able to help you put all the leaves in order on the table.
You can practice counting from 1 to 10 by pointing to each leaf and counting together.
Step 2: Match the spots on the ladybird to the numbered leaf
Ask your child to pick up one ladybird and count how many spots it has on its back.
After counting them out, can they place it on the leaf which has the same number?
If they don’t recognise all the numerals yet you can read them out to help them.
Step 3: Can your child match all the ladybirds?
Can your child put every spotted ladybird on the right leaf?
Help them count by either pointing to each spot on the ladybird’s back as they count or by crossing off the spots with a pen.
Once they have matched all the ladybirds to the correct leaves, they can place them in order.
Can they put them in a line from 1 to 10?
This can help them with number sequencing too.
We have provided free printables for this activity to make it quicker for you to do at home.
However, if you prefer you can make your own ladybirds out of red and black playdough. Your child can then stick down the correct number of black playdough spots onto each one’s back.
You can see how to make playdough ladybirds here.
