Early Math Counts

• Egg cartons (Label the egg compartments in each carton 1 – 12)
• 78 small manipulatives (such as pebbles or small counters)
• Dice (2)
• The book, Ten Apples Up On Top by Dr. Seuss

Note: Small parts pose a choking hazard and are not appropriate for children age five or under. Be sure to choose lesson materials that meet safety requirements.

1. Read the book Ten Apples Up On Top by Dr. Seuss. Ask the children to count the apples on top of the animals’ heads.
2. Explain that the children are going to play a game in pairs. The object of the “Fill the Carton” game is to roll the dice and then fill the carton with the corresponding number of pebbles until the carton is full.

1. Explain the game board (the egg carton) and show the children how to use the dice. Explain that there are numbers at the bottom of each egg compartment and that the children will be matching these numbers with the numbers on the dice.
2. Model how to play the game. Let the children see you roll the dice. Say: “I have rolled an 8. What should I do? Put 8 pebbles in the compartment that says 8. Yes, that’s correct. Now it’s Sally’s turn.”  The object of the game is to fill the carton.
3. Explain that if a player rolls a number that is already filled, like an 8, than that player rolls again. After three tries, the other player gets a turn.

Additional Extensions

• Make up a counting worksheet to accompany the game. The sheet can include an adding component using numbers from 1-12. The sheet could also be a matching sheet, matching the numerical number with the written number with the pictorial representation of that number.

• Count: To identify the amount of something by number (e.g., “How many blocks do you have? 1-2-3!” Point to each object while saying 1-2-3.)
• Corresponding: Similar in function and form (e.g.,”The dice roll is 8. Place the corresponding number of pebbles into the egg carton.”)

Early Math Glossary

Adapt Lesson for Toddlers

Toddlers may:

• Not yet count to 10 in sequential order or have mastered one-to-one correspondence with numbers 1-10

Child care providers may:

• Cut the egg carton in half and only use six of the egg compartments, one die and 21 pebbles

Adapt Lesson for Preschoolers

Preschoolers may:

• Easily work with numbers 1-12

Child care providers may:

• Make up a counting worksheet to accompany the game. The sheet can include an adding component using numbers from 1-12. The sheet could also be a matching sheet, matching the numerical number with the written number with the pictorial representation of that number.