Cornucopia Counting Mats for Preschoolers

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One of the things that are typically Thanksgiving-related is cornucopias which were used to create these FREE Cornucopia Counting Mats.

Preschoolers need to practice number recognition and counting with hands-on activities because if they don’t recognize the numbers and learn to count, they are not going to be able to use them later to be able to learn more complex mathematical concepts, such as addition and subtraction.

Cornucopia Counting Mats for Preschoolers

These pretty Cornucopia Counting Mats will allow preschoolers to practice their:

Counting abilities (counting the fruits and veggies in each cornucopia, and the dots and tallies on the tiles, to be able to match them).
Number recognition (identifying the number on the tile).
Concentration skills (focusing on the different tasks).
One-to-one correspondence (matching the correct tiles to each mat).
Language development (counting out loud number sequence).
Pre-reading (identify the correct written number word to place on the mat).
Pre-writing (tracing and copying the number words).
Fine motor, hand-eye coordination, and control (placing the tiles in the mats, and tracing the number words).

This printable includes mats for numbers one to twelve, which their correspondent number tiles, dot tiles, tally tiles, and number words. It is free to my subscribers and you can get it at the end of this post.

Cornucopia Counting Mats

This math activity requires very little prep work. To prepare it, print all the pages on white cardstock. Cut out and laminate the tiles to have them available for years to come. If you don’t want to laminate the mats, you can always use a dry-erase pocket. When you are done using the activity, store it on sheet protectors placed in a binder, to keep them safe.

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

The child selects a mat, counts the fruits and veggies finds the number tile, and places it on the first square.
Then select the tile with the dots that represent the same amount, to place it on the second square.
Next, select the tile with the tallies that represent the same number, to place it on the third square.
Finally, the child must select the number word, place it on the rectangle, and trace the word, using a pencil, marker, or crayon.

Extension Activities

You can use these mats and/or tiles to:

Talk about each number and the different characteristics of the shape of the numbers.
Explain the difference between small and large numbers, such as the cornucopia with the number 2 has fewer pictures than the one with the number 5 because it is a smaller number.
Use the cornucopia for a social study lesson, talking about where it came from, its uses, and its relationship with Thanksgiving.
Use the fruits and veggies pictures for a science lesson talking about the differences between them, and their benefits for your health.
Have children copy the words with magnetic, foam, or wooden letters.
Have children match the number tiles with magnetic, foam, or wooden numbers, or with small manipulatives such as Thanksgiving mini erasers, buttons, and Bingo chips.

Thanksgiving Books for Preschool

Fill your library and the different centers with many books about Thanksgiving-related themes. If you don’t have many available, you can always find a lot at your local library or used bookstore. Of course, you can order them through my Amazon affiliate links by clicking on the titles below.

The Story of the Pilgrims by Katharine Ross. This exciting book retell the story about the pilgrims’ voyage across the Atlantic to the first Thanksgiving feast, using colorful and beautiful illustrations, that will delight your young historians for sure.

Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks! by Sutherland. This book used simple text and colorful illustrations to introduce preschoolers to the joy of celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends and to be thankful for everything and every day.

Little Critter: Just a Special Thanksgiving by Mercer Mayer. Little Critter, a lovely character, brings to life the Thanksgiving celebration with his family, as they give thanks during this holiday.

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson. This book offers beautiful illustrations and playful text to tell the story of a Bear who has come up with a big dinner to celebrate family and friendship.

The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing. This fun book tells the story of families getting together to prepare and enjoy a feast during Thanksgiving.

Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes. This book uses simple text and striking illustrations to remind kids and adults alike about the little details that make each day enjoyable, and a warm and genuine way to share the true Thanksgiving spirit.

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 for later, pin this to your Math, Fall, and/or Thanksgiving boards on Pinterest.

Don’t forget to grab your FREE Cornucopia Counting Mats printable by clicking on the link below!

Then check out other FREE counting printables available only to my readers and get them too, to expand your activities collection, and help your preschoolers have fun while learning.

Counting Apples 0 – 10.
Christmas Counting.
Bunny Carrots Counting.
Easter Count and Clip cards.
Acorn Counting Mats.
Pumpkin Patch Counting Mats.
Friendly Ghosts Counting Mats.
Native American Count and Clip cards.
St. Patrick’s Day Count and Clip cards.
Valentine’s Bears Counting Mats.
Polar Bear Counting and Writing Mats.

Don’t forget to grab your FREE Cornucopia Counting Mats printable by clicking on the link below!

I hope you enjoy this activity, and help you have fun during this season with your preschoolers.

Be happy, safe, and creative. I wish you well.

Love,

P.D. Please let me know if you like any of these ideas worked for you, or if you think I need to add or replace something. My goal is to help you in any way I can.