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 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 mat versions for 1 to 12, twelve stars, twelve number names, and twelve number phrases. It is free for my subscribers, and you can get it at the end of this post.

4^th of July Counting Mats

Print all the pages on white cardstock to prepare for these math activities. Cut out and laminate the tiles to have them available for years. 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 put 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 when they rotate to the other centers, such as small group tables, Math Center, Writing Center, Quiet area, or even use them as a take-home activity.

We never want to stress them out or create frustration because we want them to use the activity so they can learn. If the activity has a negative impact on 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, one simpler. That way you can decide which activity is best for your children’s different levels of development.

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

4th of July Counting Mat - intermedial 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, and then pick the number of star tiles necessary to match the number and put 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 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 number sequence).
Pre-reading (identify the correct written number name or phrase to place on the mat).

4^th of July Books for Preschoolers

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

The Night Before the Fourth of July by Nathasha Wing captures the fun, excitement, and pride of the best summer holiday. People are getting ready for hot dogs and fireworks all across the United States. 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 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 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 finds—and makes—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 is about Daniel Tiger’s first experience.

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 spend the day surrounded by red, white, and blue.

America the Beautiful by Cholena Rose Dare is a gorgeous non-fiction book that presents 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’ facts about our country.