First numbers
Join two small groups
Count two visible groups, join them and find how many there are altogether. Four clear examples and separate answers.
3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity
Number building pieces · Free printable
Number rods and strips 1–10
Each rod is made of equal squares: the rod labelled 4 has four squares and is twice as long as the rod labelled 2. Print at actual size to keep all the units equal. The page is useful as a counting reference or as large, adult-prepared pieces for comparing lengths.
Take a little peek10 items · Original illustrations
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Picture-play preview shown. The PDF contains the number building pieces layout.
Inside the printable
First page shown. The download includes the complete activity and grown-up guidance.
What we’re exploring
Connect the numerals 1–10 with equal units and compare how many squares each rod contains.
A little way to play
- An adult prepares the rods, or leave the sheet whole for pointing.
- Touch one square for each number word and check the numeral at the end.
- Place two rods with their left ends aligned to compare their lengths.
Make it easier
Use only the rods for 1, 2 and 3.
Try a little morePut a 2 rod and a 3 rod end to end, then compare them with the 5 rod.
For the grown-up
An adult supervises cutting. These are original equal-unit paper rods, not a claim of alignment with a commercial manipulative system.
Answers & naming help
Rod n contains exactly n squares for each n from 1 to 10. A 2 rod joined to a 3 rod has the same length as a 5 rod.
1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10
How do I print this?
Choose your vocabulary and paper size, then download the PDF. Print at actual size or 100%. Use the low-ink option for outline activities; colour-name cards still need their colour to teach the word. Cut-and-stack mini-books are available in the flashcard maker.
Helpful parent guides
Keep the discoveries going.
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Number cards 1–10
Clear number cards from 1 to 10 for matching numerals with small groups of real objects.
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First numbers
Printable counters and counting mats
Twenty large cutout counters, two sorting mats and a numbered strip for practical counting together.
3–4 · 4–5 years · FreeExplore activity