Are you looking for a fun and engaging counting activity to help your little ones learn numbers in a hands-on way?
This mushroom counting craft is a great way to introduce preschoolers to number recognition, counting skills, and fine motor development—all while having a fun!
Whether you’re a homeschool mom, a teacher, or just a parent looking for interactive learning ideas, this simple activity is a great addition to your early learning toolkit.
Related: Color Matching Popsicle Craft
Not a crafty mom? Scroll to the bottom for a printable version, plus related worksheets!
Counting is one of the first mathematical skills that young children learn, and making it enjoyable can help set a strong foundation for future math success.
With this mushroom-themed craft, kids can practice number matching by counting the spots on each mushroom cap and matching them to the correct numbered stem.
The Benefits of Hands-On Learning for Counting Skills
Hands-on learning is one of the most effective ways to teach early math concepts like counting and number recognition. When children engage in activities that require them to touch, manipulate, and interact with objects, they develop a deeper understanding of numbers and their relationships.
Here are some key benefits of hands-on counting activities:
- Enhances Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, gluing, and placing small paper cutouts help strengthen little fingers, improving dexterity and coordination.
- Encourages Number Recognition: Matching numbers to corresponding quantities builds a strong foundation for early math skills.
- Supports Cognitive Development: Engaging with numbers in a playful way helps children understand the ‘why’ behind counting rather than just memorizing.
- Boosts Confidence: Successfully completing a counting activity gives kids a sense of accomplishment, motivating them to learn more!
More Hands-on counting ideas
Try using counting bears, dot stickers, or building blocks to create other number-matching activities. You can also set up a simple scavenger hunt where kids collect and count objects from around the house or classroom.
Snap Cubes
Wooden AbacusSmart Counting CookiesSmart Snacks Number PopsWooden Number PuzzlesBaby Bear Counters
Related: Road Shape Worksheets
Mushroom Counting Activity Supplies
To create your own mushroom counting craft, gather the following supplies:
- Colored craft papers (various shades for mushroom caps, stems, and spots)
- Craft glue
- Pencil
- Sharpies
- A pair of scissors
- Printable template
Wireless Color All-in-One PrinterTiconderoga Wood-Cased PencilsConstruction Paper – Assorted ColorsWashable GlueStainless Steel ScissorsSharpies – Assorted Colors
Step-by-Step Counting Activity Instructions
Step 1: Choose your colored craft papers for the mushroom cap, stem, and spots. You can use number labels directly from a printable template or create your own. Trace the mushroom patterns on the selected craft papers and carefully cut them out.
Step 2: Glue the lens-shaped cutout along the bottom side of the mushroom cap to represent the gills. Use a sharpie to draw a striped pattern on the gills for added detail.
Step 3: Take the stem cutout and outline its edges with a sharpie to define the shape.
Step 4: Glue the stem cutout onto the bottom part of the mushroom cap, making sure it aligns neatly with the gills.
Step 5: Add the small spot cutouts to the mushroom cap. These represent the number of spots children will count.
Step 6: Take a number label that matches the number of spots on the cap and attach it to the stem.
Step 7: Repeat these steps to create multiple mushrooms with different spot numbers and corresponding labels. Encourage children to count the spots and match them to the correct number.
Alternate Ways to Use the Craft
There are several ways to use this craft to keep the learning fun and engaging.
You can glue on the dots and have the child match the number to the mushroom.
Another option is to glue the numbers on the mushrooms and have the child count out the appropriate number of dots for each mushroom.
If you want more flexibility, you can avoid gluing the dots or numbers so that you can alternate the ways you play. This allows for multiple learning opportunities and keeps the activity fresh and exciting each time you use it.
If you prefer to skip the crafting process, you can use a printable version instead! Simply have your child match the mushrooms to the correct number, or turn it into a fun matching or memory game by flipping the cards over and trying to find pairs. This is a great way to reinforce counting skills in a quick and easy way!
More Counting & Number Activities
If you’re looking for even more counting activities, check out these additional resources and ideas.
- I Spy Counting Worksheets
- Cookie Counting Printable Game
- Fingerprint Counting Printable
- Counting Bears Activities
- Building Numbers with Snap Cubes
This mushroom counting craft is a fantastic way to make early math learning fun and engaging. It provides preschoolers with a playful way to practice counting, develop fine motor skills, and strengthen number recognition.
Whether you’re using this activity in a homeschool setting, a preschool classroom, or just as a fun weekend craft, it’s an easy and creative way to reinforce foundational math skills.
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Mushroom Counting Craft
This hands-on mushroom counting craft helps kids learn numbers, develop fine motor skills, and practice number recognition in an engaging way. Perfect for homeschool moms, teachers, and parents!
Materials
- Colored craft papers (various shades for mushroom caps, stems, and spots)
- Craft glue
- Pencil
- Sharpies
- A pair of scissors
- Printable Template (provided in post)
Instructions
- Choose your colored craft papers for the mushroom cap, stem, and spots. You can use number labels directly from a printable template or create your own. Trace the mushroom patterns on the selected craft papers and carefully cut them out.
- Glue the lens-shaped cutout along the bottom side of the mushroom cap to represent the gills. Use a sharpie to draw a striped pattern on the gills for added detail.
- Take the stem cutout and outline its edges with a sharpie to define the shape.
- Glue the stem cutout onto the bottom part of the mushroom cap, making sure it aligns neatly with the gills.
- Add the small spot cutouts to the mushroom cap. These represent the number of spots children will count.
- Take a number label that matches the number of spots on the cap and attach it to the stem.
- Repeat these steps to create multiple mushrooms with different spot numbers and corresponding labels. Encourage children to count the spots and match them to the correct number.
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