Apple Seed Counting Activities

This apple seed counting activity is a simple, yet effective way to each one to one correspondence in your apple preschool theme and it pairs perfectly with other fall preschool activities.

This apple counting activity pairs wonderfully with concepts of an apple life cycle as preschoolers roll the die and count out the corresponding number of “apple seeds” to add to the mat. But there’s more than counting that gets practiced with this apple activity!

This apple seed counting game is an exciting math activity that brings numbers to life for preschoolers while having loads of fun learning about apples! And it teaches so many math concepts like:

• one to one correspondence
• number recognition
• quantification
• subitizing
• more and less
• decomposing ten (subtraction)

And all this mathematical skill work happens simultaneously while developing fine motor skills and problem solving skills.

It’s a super fun way for preschoolers to explore foundational math skills while immersing themselves in all the fun an apple preschool theme has to offer. It’s preschool counting activities like this one that makes our Daily Lessons in Preschool Mathematics curriculum so effective.

Apple Seed Counting

There are several apple seed counting activities that be done with these counting mats. These apple counting mats can be used for basic one to one correspondence counting or subitizing. They can even be sued to introduce subtraction to preschoolers.

Apple Seed Template

Wondering what’s included in this freebie? It’s more than you think!

This printable includes two versions of the counting mats, which is why you can get so many counting activities out of it! Included is a black apple seed counting mat, as well as subtraction mats featuring numbers 6-20.

Additional Materials

• blank dice
• small black buttons

The Set Up

Print and laminate the apple counting mat and place it on a tray. You will need a tray to catch all the stray buttons (apple seeds) from rolling away.

Write the numbers 0-5 on the faces of a die. Place the black buttons in a small dish next to the tray with a die. Now, invite your preschooler to join you in some apple theme learning activities.

The Apple Seed Counting Activity

The basic counting activity it simple and straight forward.

• Roll the die and identify the numeral.
• Count the corresponding number of black buttons and add them to the apple seed counting mat.

More and Less Concepts

For a more advanced version, challenge your preschooler to compare two sets of seeds.  

If working alone, he can compare two apples he has rolled for, or a partner can roll for the second apple.  Once the seeds are set out on both apples, preschoolers can identify which apple has more seeds.

Teach Addition to Preschoolers

Another option is to use a die with a higher set of numbers, say 11-16, or use two dice and the total from both dice must be added to the apple.

Really, there are several possibilities.  Even at its most basic form, this activity is a wonderful one to teach or reinforce one to one correspondence skills.

Apple Seed Subtraction Mats

Not every preschoolers will be ready for this subtraction activity, but it introduces the concept of “taking away”.

For the subtraction mats, select a set of numbers that will allow your preschool to experience success. Choose numbers 6-10, 11-15, or 16-20, depending on their skills level.

• Invite your preschooler to identify the number at the top of the apple seed subtraction mat.
• Count out the corresponding number of black buttons or beans and place them on the mat.
• Roll the 0-5 dice and take away that number.
• Have your preschooler count the number of apple seeds left over.

I like to work one-on-one with my preschoolers as they get the hang of all the steps. Once they get to the end, I will point to the beginning numeral on the mat, and say something like (example):

You started with 16 seeds. Then you took away four seeds, and now you have 12 seeds!”

Doing this will get your preschooler used to simple mathematical language used in subtraction.

Apple Seed Counting Worksheets

Activities like this one can be used in kindergarten, too. Offer this counting activity before introducing your class to apple counting worksheets.

• Free Apple Counting Mini Book
• Apple Tree Counting Worksheet
• Apple Counting Games and Worksheets
• Base Ten Apple Worksheets

Picture Books About Apples

If you are considering this apple seed download to add to your other apple addition worksheets and printables, consider the following books.  They are some of our favorites.

Get Your Apple Seed Subtraction Mats Here

Think your preschoolers will adore this apple counting activity? They will! Use the form below to download your own copy.

Sarah Punkoney, MAT

I’m Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home-mama of five! I’m the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught a range of levels, from preschool to college and a little bit of everything in between. Right now my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.

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