Counting Christmas Story Time with Printable Math Cards
I have a kid lit confession to make… When #thebigone was little, we never had a Karen Katz book. A little shocking, I know, since she’s so popular! Now that #thelittleone has come along, we’ve added a few of her books to our home library. I grabbed Counting Christmas recently, and my two year old loves it! Read on for a peek inside the book, and check out the simple math activity the book inspired!
READING COUNTING CHRISTMAS
The text in Counting Christmas is simple and straightforward. It is essentially a countdown book, working from 10 to 1. Each number has iconic holiday items associated with it. The simplicity of the text allows parents and kids to truly focus on the math presented. There’s constant opportunities for counting together. Counting Christmas makes working on a crucial fundamental skill like counting 1-10 fun and festive for young learners.
The images within the book are bright and cheerful in classic Katz style. The graphic patterns throughout are eye catching. All of the sweet faces on the families throughout the book are heart warming. There are countless opportunities for working on holiday vocabulary during the reading. Parents can encourage kids to pick out the green gifts, find the teddy bear, etc.
COUNTING CHRISTMAS MATH
#thelittleone is quickly approaching 2 1/2 years old. He’s been working on counting a bit- although honestly, he mainly just sings a random string of numbers at us! I created this super simple math activity to pair with Counting Christmas. I’m hoping once we’ve worked on it a few times together, he’ll be a bit more on track with his counting skills.
- Print out your copies of the Christmas counting cards I created. (Scroll to the end of the post to grab yours!)
- Cut out each card.
- Laminating the cards is optional, but recommended if you plan to play with them more than once.
- Grab some clothespins.
- Sit with your child and encourage them to count the items on each card. Clip a clothespin onto the correct number after counting.
- Initially, your child may need a lot of help to accomplish these tasks. After practice and more math play in other settings, you’ll notice their counting skills blossoming!
>>> Grab your Christmas counting cards here! Page 1 / Page 2 <<<
>>> Love the idea of clip cards for math skills? I’ve got a fun pirate set as well! <<<
Do you like to incorporate the holidays into your children’s learning at home? Let me know how you do it in the comments below!
Essentials You May Need…
Emily
This is a great little Christmas diy for the kiddos! I’ll have to keep this in mind when my kids are a bit bigger.
Chastity
I think this is a great idea, it’s never to early to teach children. The book looks neat as well. Thanks for sharing.
Samantha Kuzyk-Raising Twincesses
Such a fun way to get the kids to do math and get into the Christmas spirit!!!
meg
I love this simple activity, and that book would be great for my three-year-old!
Bacheca BBincontri Milano
Great article..love it
The Snazzy Mom
This is such a great idea , while incorporating education in festivals. I love the book thank you for sharing it with us
Charissa | thenotsobusymom.com
What a great book…and I love the activity! Thanks for sharing, Kate!
Christie Moeller
This is such a cute learning tool! I love incorporating the holidays to keep kids engaged!
xoxo Christie
alfasengupta
What a neat idea! Definitely need to print this for my kids since they would LOVE it!
Beth
I love this idea! I would have never thought to pair an activity to a board book like this. I’m definitely going to browse more of your posts.
Joanna Clute
What an adorable little book. The printable would be great for keeping kids educated and fresh while out of school.
Suzanne Spiegoski-Decamps
Wow these are such cute printable holiday cards! Thanks!
Jennifer L. Corter (@jenngem)
Awesome! How cool are those cards! Great for little ones!
Justine @ Little Dove
What a cute book and fun activity to get your child learning during the holidays! As a homeschool mom I’m always looking for fun stuff like this, thanks!
thebusyboymama
How cool. This looks like something I would have done with my kiddo when he was younger.
jmusselman8
What a cute printable. Love Karen Katz books!!!
Unfiltered Mama
Oh, I love this! My almost two year old would love it too. The images/lettering are so big and colorful. Perfect for the little ones eyes!
livewellplaytogether
Love these! I’ve pinned to do with my Little one next year! I think he would love them!
Aseky Bonnaire
These are so cute! I’d love to do this with my boys this week!
Jennifer
I like be this book so much!! Love adding the activity!
Tara
how fun! colorful and great for learning in a fun way!
Kate
Thanks so much Tara!