Critter Counters | An Interactive Guide to Learning Numbers

A playful, story-driven journey into early math—built for curious kids (ages 2–6) and the parents who guide them.

🧭 Overview & Learning Target

Critter Counters is a 5-day series (plus a finale) focused on counting 1–10, one-to-one correspondence, and building strong number sense—guided by Leif the Worm and his garden friends.

Each day features a short, story-based activity that blends hands-on play with meaningful practice. By week’s end, your child will confidently recognize and count numbers 1–10 while strengthening fine-motor and cognitive skills.

📦 What's Included

• 5 story-led, hands-on number activities (Days 1–5)
• Finale celebration coloring page (Leif’s Surprise)
• Print-and-use Leif Guide pages (foldable front/back for intro & wrap-up)
• Simple templates for ladybugs, caterpillar, and butterflies
• Parent directions, setup notes, and adaptable difficulty tips

🎯 Educational Standards

Aligned with CA Common Core (Kindergarten):

• CA.CCSS.K.CC.1 — Count to 100 by ones and by tens.
• CA.CCSS.K.CC.2 — Count forward beginning from a given number within the known sequence (not always starting at 1).

📋 Materials Needed

*marks optional materials

• Kinetic sand
• Red, black & yellow construction paper
• Small black sticker dots (55 total)
• Numbers 1–10 (puzzle pieces, magnet numbers, foam numbers, etc.)
• Pipe cleaners
• 10 small snacks
• Black & white coloring utensils (crayons, pencils, markers)
• Popsicle sticks
• Dry-erase marker *
• Glue

📖 Using the Leif Guide

Each day you’ll print the labeled Leif Guide page. Fold it in half and read the front to introduce the problem, complete the hands-on activity, then read the back to conclude the story and preview tomorrow’s adventure.

🗓️ Daily Plan

• Day 1 — Introduction & Meet the Wormmates
  
• Day 2 — The Ladybug Bros
  
• Day 3 — My Caterpillar Cousin
  
• Day 4 — Busy Bee Line Up
  
• Day 5 — Butterfly Besties Back in Action
  
• Finale — Leif’s Surprise
  

💡 Tips & Tricks

• Play casual counting games throughout the week (e.g., hide-and-seek countdowns).
• After each lesson, reuse the Leif Guide page as a coloring sheet.
• Laminate templates if you want to use dry-erase markers.
• Adapt difficulty: model, scaffold, or extend based on your child’s readiness.

✨ Why This Matters

This resource helps your child:

• Practice fine motor skills
• Build foundational early math & number sense (1–10, sequencing, 1–1 correspondence)
• Develop problem-solving skills in playful contexts
• Foster a joyful learning connection with you