Are you looking for a fun addition within 5 activity for pre-k and kindergarten age students? This penguin math is a fun, engaging, and hands-on way to make learning fun. Simply download free penguin printable and you are ready for this kindergarten math activity.
Penguin Math
Are you looking for a hands-on way to teach addition to your little learners? This penguin-themed addition printable for early years is perfect for kids just starting their math journey! It’s fun, engaging, and sneaks in learning through play. Plus, it’s low-prep for you—just print, grab some fish crackers or mini erasers, and you’re ready to go.
Let me tell you, I used this activity with my group of early learners last week, and they couldn’t get enough of it. Watching them giggle and count their “fish” while learning how to add melted my teacher heart.
Plus don’t miss
How to Teach Addition in Early Years
Teaching addition doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At this stage, it’s all about making math tangible and relatable. Kids learn best when they can see, touch, and even play with the numbers they’re adding.
Here’s why this works:
- Visual learners: The ten frames on the penguins’ bellies help kids see numbers represented visually.
- Hands-on learners: Adding fish crackers or erasers to match the numbers gives kids something to touch and move.
- Play-based approach: Associating addition with a fun activity makes kids more likely to stay engaged.
In early years, math is all about building foundational skills. Activities like this one help kids understand the “why” behind addition, instead of just memorizing facts.
Addition within 5
Step 1: Prep the Printable
First, download and print the penguin cards. Each penguin has a ten frame on its belly, showing how many fish they’ve eaten (numbers 1-5). Laminate the cards if you want to reuse them.
Step 2: Gather Supplies
You’ll need fish crackers, mini erasers, or any small counters. Fish crackers are always a hit because they double as a snack afterward—just saying!
Step 3: Introduce the Penguins
Show the cards to your child or students and explain that these penguins are hungry! They’ve already eaten some fish, but they need more. Their job is to add fish to make the total.
Step 4: Model the Process
Take a card (e.g., a penguin with 2 fish on its belly). Place 2 fish crackers on the ten frame, then ask, “How many more fish should we add to make 5?” Show them how to count and add 3 more.
Step 5: Let Them Try
Now it’s their turn! Hand out a penguin card, and let them use the crackers or erasers to solve the problem. Encourage them to count out loud as they add.
Step 6: Record the Equation (Optional)
For kids ready to practice writing numbers, they can record their equation (e.g., 2 + 3 = 5) on a separate piece of paper.
Kindergarten Math Activity
Ask your child to make up a story about the penguin and its fish. For example, “The penguin started with 2 fish and then found 3 more. How many does it have now?” This combines math and creativity!
This penguin addition activity is one of those gems that combines learning with fun, making it ideal for early years. Kids stay engaged while developing key math skills—and they won’t even realize they’re learning!
If you try this out, I’d love to hear how it goes. And don’t forget to grab the printable below to get started.
Ready to get those penguins fed? Download your free addition printable for early years and let the math fun begin!
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Download Penguin Addition
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