Okapi Counting Mats for Preschoolers
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Preschoolers need to practice number recognition and counting with hands-on activities to develop skills to 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 World Okapi Day is coming, I’ve created these FREE Okapi Counting Mats.
The Okapi Counting Mats pack includes three different counting mats, twelve leaf tiles, twelve okapi tiles, thirteen number names, and thirteen number phrases. You can get it at the end of this post.
Okapi Counting Mats for Preschoolers
Print all the pages on white cardstock. Cut out and laminate the tiles to keep 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 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 when they rotate to the other centers, such as small group tables, math centers, writing centers, quiet areas, or even take-home activities.
Considering the different developmental levels that your preschoolers might have, I have created three different versions of these counting mats, one simpler than the other. That way, you can decide which activity is best for each level of your children.
In the Simpler Version, your preschoolers will select a number tile, place it on the big square, then pick the number of leaf tiles, okapi tiles, or a combination of both 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.
The ready children can also write the number, the number name, or both instead of using the tiles.
Benefits of the Okapi Counting Mats
The Okapi Counting Mats offer multiple benefits for your preschoolers because using them will allow the children to practice:
- Number recognition (identifying the number on the tile).
- Counting abilities (counting the Okapis or leaves 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 Okapis or leaves 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).
Books About Okapis
Books should never be forgotten, no matter what type of activity or theme you are doing. Below are some Okapi books you can place in your library and different centers. You can find these books at your local library or used book store. If you want to add them to your collection, click on the titles, and my affiliate links will bring you directly to Amazon for a fast purchase.
- Facts About the Okapi by Lisa Strattin is an educational picture book that presents facts, full-color photographs, and carefully chosen words to teach children about the Okapi.
- Okapi Loves His Zebra Pants by Terri Tatchell is a story about hurt feelings from being teased, resilience, self-acceptance, community, and finding joy in our similarities and differences.
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 it to your Math board on Pinterest for later.
World Okapi Day is celebrated on October 18th each year to encourage people to support and promote ongoing conservation efforts and initiatives. Use the opportunity to talk to your preschoolers about this rare mammal and the risk of extinction that it’s facing.
Don’t forget to grab your FREE Okapi Counting Mats pack by clicking the link below!
Be happy, safe, and creative. I wish you well.
Love,
P.D. Please let me know if these mats work for you. Your input is precious to me.
