4th of July Counting Mats for Preschoolers -

4^th of July Counting Mats for Preschoolers

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Preschoolers need to practice number recognition and counting with hands-on activities to develop the skills that will help them learn more complex mathematical concepts, such as addition and subtraction. I have noticed that one activity they enjoy is using counting mats because they think it’s a game. Since the 4^th of July is coming, I’ve created these free 4^th of July Counting Mats.

The 4^th of July Counting Mats pack includes three different mat versions for the numbers 1 to 12, twelve stars, twelve number names, and twelve number phrases. It is free to my subscribers, and you can get it at the end of this post.

4^th of July Counting Mats

To prepare for these math activities, print all the pages on white cardstock. Cut out and laminate the tiles so they are available for years to come. If you don’t want to laminate the mats, you can always place them in dry-erase pockets. When you are done using the mats, store them on sheet protectors and place them in a binder to keep them safe.

I always recommend printing out multiple copies and placing them in different centers. That way, you will encourage more preschoolers to use them as they rotate through the different centers, such as the small-group table, the Math center, the Writing Center, the Quiet area, or even as a take-home activity.

We never want to stress them out or cause frustration, because we want them to use the activity to learn. If the activity negatively impacts them, it will not be effective, and they will not want to use it.

That is why I’ve created three versions of these counting mats, each simpler than the last. That way, you can decide which activity is best for the level that your different children are in.

4th of July Counting Mat - simpler version — 4th of July Counting Mat – simpler version

4th of July Counting Mat - intermedia version — 4th of July Counting Mat – intermediate version

4th of July Counting Mat - advanced version — 4th of July Counting Mat – advanced version

In the Simpler Version, your preschoolers will select a number tile, place it on the big square, then pick the number of star tiles needed to match it and place them on the little squares.

In the Intermediate Version, in addition to what they have to do in the simpler version, your preschoolers will select a tile with the written number name and place it on the rectangle.

In the Advanced Version, your preschoolers will use the mats in the same way as in the intermediate version, but instead of using a written number name tile, they will use a written phrase tile.

Benefits of the 4^th of July Counting Mats

This activity will allow preschoolers to practice their:

Number recognition (identifying the number on the tile).
Counting abilities (counting the stars to match the number).
Fine motor, hand-eye coordination, and control (placing the tiles in the squares).
Concentration skills (focusing on the different tasks).
One-to-one correspondence (counting the star tiles to be added).
Language development (counting out loud a number sequence).
Pre-reading (identify the correct written number name or phrase to place on the mat).

4^th of July Books for Preschool

Below are some books you can use on the 4^th of July. You can find these books at your local library or used bookstore. If you want to add some to your collection, just click the titles, and my affiliate links will take you directly to Amazon for a quick purchase.

The Night Before the Fourth of July by Natasha Wing captures the fun, excitement, and pride of the best summer holiday, as people across the United States get ready for hot dogs and fireworks. Decked in red, white, and blue, a family heads to a parade, hosts a backyard BBQ with friends and family, dodges an afternoon thundershower, and of course, watches a fireworks show.

The Story of America’s Birthday by Patricia A. Pingry. This story has vibrant illustrations paired with the text that help to create the connection between the story of the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, and today’s Fourth of July festivities. This book introduces children to the history and meaning behind Independence Day.

F is for Flag by Wendy Ceyette Lewison shows in simple terms how one flag can mean many things: a symbol of unity, a sign of welcome, and a reminder that in good times, everyone in our country is part of one great big family.

Curious George Parade Day, here’s nothing like waiting for something special and magical to happen. Today, George is waiting for a parade to start! But before it does, this little monkey manages to find—and make—plenty of mischief.

It’s Not About You, Mrs. Firecracker: A Love Letter About the True Meaning of the Fourth of July by Soraya Diasse Collell. This wonderfully illustrated children’s book explains what brave Americans did to declare their freedom and equality and identifies who provided guidance throughout.

Daniel’s First Fireworks by Daniel Tiger Neighborhood. This sweet storybook about a first experience is sure to be a hit with Daniel Tiger fans!

Hello, Fourth of July by best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock. Parent and child eagles celebrate America’s birthday in this board book for children. The pair spends the day surrounded by red, white, and blue.

America the Beautiful by Cholena Rose Dare is a gorgeous nonfiction book that features maps of official landmarks, national parks, state birds and flowers, and more. It also allows learning about American artists, innovations, and food that are part of the American culture. A great way to present our preschoolers with facts about our country.

Pin It For Later

If you are in a rush and don’t have time to read the post and download the printable, but want to save it, pin this to your Math or Patriotic board on Pinterest for later.