If you already own Math Kit Bundle 2, there's a brand new resource waiting for you: the Counter Kids Play Mats! These bright, engaging visuals are perfect for warm-ups, small group math talks, and hands-on number work at your math table. And the best part? They’ve been added for free as part of your bundle — just head over to your TPT purchases to download the updated file!
Why You'll Love the Counter Kids Mats
These mats help center your math conversations by offering a visual “character” holding a giant counter. Students can place their own counters right on top — great for 1:1 matching, counting, comparing quantities, or acting out number stories. It’s an easy way to boost focus and excitement while still keeping the learning purposeful and skill-rich.Try This Warm-Up with Counter Kids + Greater Than/Less Than Birds
Here’s a quick and engaging math warm-up using the Counter Kids Play Mats and the Greater Than / Less Than Bird Cards from your kit:Partner Dice & Compare Game
You’ll need:- A pile of counters
- Two dice
- 2 Counter Kids play mats
- Greater Than / Less Than Bird Cards
- Students play in pairs at the math table.
- Each child takes a play mat and places it in front of them.
- Roll the dice and collect that number of counters from the central pile.
- Place the counters on your mat (right on the character's giant counter!).
- Compare quantities using the bird cards to show greater than or less than between the two characters.
- Add a layer of math talk: "Sam has more counters than Ella." or "7 is more than 5."
Group Storytime Extension (Teacher-led)
Take it further in small groups:- Use one set of mats and counters for a shared story.
- You tell a math story (e.g., "Talia has 19 counters. She gives 8 to Sam and 3 to Ella...").
- Children act out the story with counters on the mats.
- Use the bird cards to compare amounts, prompting questions like:
- “Who has more than Ella?”
- “Who has fewer counters – Sam or Talia?”
- This is such a wonderful way to connect numeracy, listening, and expressive language — and bring math stories to life!
Already Have the Bundle?
You're all set! Just redownload your Math Kit Bundle 2 on TPT to access the new Counter Kids Play Mats instantly. I hope they bring joy, connection, and some rich number talk to your classroom!And if you haven’t picked up the bundle yet, now’s a great time — it’s growing and full of flexible, playful tools to make early math a little more magical. 💛
👉 Download or Learn More Here