You have come to the right spot for loads of one to one correspondence activities! In fact, we have 20+ FREE one to one correspondence activities for preschoolers and kindergarteners. No matter the season or theme, this critical math skill can be infused through fun math games, hands-on centers, and lots of manipulative play.
One to one correspondence is the ability to match each member of one set to each member of a second set. This could happen while setting the table, setting one plate, one fork, and one spoon for each member of the family. It could mean separating specific amounts of crackers for snacks or giving one ball to each friend. Children learn through real-life experiences and counting games and these counting activities for preschool are nothing short of a blast!
One to one correspondence is a foundational math skill. A popular activity is called egg carton counting. Supplies include an empty egg carton, some numbered cards (I used Uno), and some sort of counters.
Invite your child to draw a card and identify its name. Then have your child count the appropriate number of counters in the egg carton, one counter in each space. Playing with these Uno cards, my child is first learning to count to 5, then we will branch into counting to 10 activities.
Take care to make sure that only one counter is in each egg compartment. Hence one to one correspondence. Have your child practice counting the counters a second time once they are all in the carton. This is for additional practice and helps solidify number sense.
Learning to master one to one correspondence is a critical preschool and kindergarten math skill. This post is full of ideas to help you plan that math skill with fun ideas and little to no prep!
FAQs About Teaching Counting
Preschoolers learn to count through practice. That practice can happen naturally through everyday activities and through playing. Hands on counting activities for preschoolers are a must for additional practice, as well as sensory counting activities and even some worksheets, like counting bear worksheets that are so popular.
One-to-one correspondence is the understanding that each item is counted only once and one at a time. For example, when counting a set of counting bears
Practice should include lots of modeling by the teacher, and practicing small quantities first.
Preschool math is divided into five disciplines. Those disciplines are: number sense, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability. Preschool math instruction should include math activities in all five disciplines.
Favorite Books about Counting
Infusing opportunities to count and learn more about numbers is a great way to help young children develop their math skills. Check out our list below of some of our favorite counting books for preschool and kindergarten!
20+ One to One Correspondence Activities
20+ One to One Correspondence Activities
These one to one correspondence math activities range from counting cards and ten frames to grid games and more! With so many options you are sure to find something to fit your themed lesson plans all year round!
Free One to One Correspondence Counting Cards
This post includes free counting cards and a bunch of different ways to use them so your little one can perfect their one to one correspondence skills.
One to One Correspondence Counting Activity
This one to one correspondence counting activity is not only fun, but is also a bit more advanced than traditional counting activities, so it is perfect for preschoolers who are preparing for kindergarten.
Apple Drop Counting: A One to One Correspondence Math Game
Apple Drop Counting teaches preschoolers one to one correspondence, about composing ten, as well as subitizing.
Ice Cream Cone Number and Counting Activites
Take summer learning to the next level with these cute ice cream cone counting cards, as well as five other preschool number activities.
Pond Animal Counting Roll and Cover Games
This pond theme counting activity provides young children with lots of practice for counting and one-to-one correspondence.
Ten Frame Counting Cards for Christmas
Christmastime is such a delightful time of year, full of festivities and wonder, especially for early learners. This year, you can teach counting to preschoolers with these free printable ten frame counting cards for Christmas.
Free Number Sequencing Puzzles 1-10
Try these free summer themed number sequencing puzzles with buttons for a fun one to one correspondence activities for preschoolers.
Ocean Animal Roll and Cover Counting Game for Preschoolers
This ocean theme counting activity provides young learners with lots of practice for counting, number recognition and one-to-one correspondence.
Teach Teen Numbers to Preschoolers with FREE Butterfly Counting Printable
Teach one to one correspondence with teen numbers to preschoolers with these free butterfly life cycle printable counting mats.
Thanksgiving Ten Frame Counting Cards
Get your preschooler counting and practicing one to one correspondence with these fun Thanksgiving themed ten frame counting cards!
Fall Themed Number Order Activities
Combine these Fall themed number order puzzles with small manipulatives for a simple one to one correspondence activity.
Free Bumble Bee Counting Cards - Insect Math Activities
These free bumble bee counting cards will provide your preschoolers with twice the counting practice for a spring theme, plus a fun playdough activity, too!
Free Easter Egg Ten Frame Counting Cards
Teach one to one correspondence to preschoolers with this free Easter counting printable. This printable can also be used for 6 different Easter counting activities!
Pumpkin Seed Counting and Craft for Preschoolers
With this pumpkin seed activity your preschooler will roll the dice and identify the number. Then, count the corresponding number of roasted pumpkin seeds into the tray.
Space Theme Grid Games for Counting
Here are some fun space theme games to teach one to one correspondence and counting.
Free Snowman Counting Cards for Winter
These free printable snowman counting cards are a wonderful way to add fun math activities to your winter theme lesson plans. They’re perfect for teaching toddlers and preschoolers number recognition and counting in a hands-on way.
Apple Counting Cards
These apple counting cards are the perfect way to celebrate both the new school year and the fall season while learning one to one correspondence.
FREE Valentine's Day Ten Frame Math Counting Cards
Use this Valentine's Day ten frame printable to make it easier for your little one to develop number sense skills, including one to one correspondence.
FREE Ten Frame Gardening Printable for Preschoolers
This ten frame gardening printable not only teaches counting from 1-20 and number identification but also a little about the lifecycle of a flower.
Composing Ten: A Ten Frame Counting Activity
For this activity, invite your child to roll the dice and place the corresponding number of counters onto the ten frame. Then, ask how many more are needed to make ten.
FREE Emoji Grid Games to Teach Emotions & Counting
Use these emoji grid games to teach counting, one to one correspondence and emotions to preschoolers.
Looking For Great Math Manipulatives?
Learning to count is no easy task, so incorporating these fun and engaging manipulatives are a great way to add excitement and help children understand the concrete concept of one to one correspondence. Take a look at some of our favorites!
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.
Great idea!!!!
Thanks for sharing with my Super Link Party! 🙂
Great info, love the idea of drawing a card. Pinning this!
Having them go back and count again helps them to check their work and make sure they got it right. Great activity! Thanks for sharing at Mom’s Library!
Great post.
Cathie at toddlersthroughpreschool.com
Great activity and such an important skill. Thank you for linking up to The Sunday Showcase.