So, here are some stocking themed resources, including a freebie, to help you do just that in preschool and kindergarten.

December Stocking Number Cards

I crafted two sets of free Christmas stocking numeral cards, 1 to 10 and 11 to 20. These are perfect for reinforcing numeral recognition, number sense, and numeral formation. I made 4 recording sheets to accompany the cards.

Your students can fill in the ten frames 1-10, fill in double ten frames 11-20, draw tally marks, or trace the numerals 1-10. Enjoy these activities during small group instruction, as independent centers, or as morning work.

Get it Prepared

This is an easy to prepare activity. Choose your set of numeral cards; 1-10 or 11-20, color or black/ gray/ white. Print the cards on cardstock for durability, laminate, and cut. Pick a recording sheet to copy.

Get ’em Engaged

You can use these December stocking number cards in three different ways.

Simply use the cards with a recording sheet.

For the first option, choose a recording sheet. Provide small groups of students with the recording sheet and a set of numeral cards to share. Just pick a card and follow the directions on the recording sheet.

Play an In the Bag or In the Stocking game.

To play this game, you will need a seasonal bag or stocking. Depending on the size of the group, you may want to use two or three sets of cards. You can also combine the 1-10 and 11-20 cards, if appropriate for your learners. Include the Yum! Yum! A Treat! (take an extra turn) and the Oh, no! Coal! (lose a turn or put all your cards back in) cards for a little extra fun.

Decide if the game will have a time limit and if students need to name a numeral correctly the first time to keep it. Students can also trace and name the ones they miss.

Place the cards in your bag or stocking. Draw a card without peeking. Name the numeral. Collect or keep the ones you name correctly. The game is over when the timer goes off or the last card is drawn. Who has the most, least, or an equal number of cards?

Pair the cards with a writing tray to practice numeral formation.

Try dyed rice or salt in a writing tray. Or make it simple by adding red and green sprinkles or sequins to white rice. Just pick a card, name the numeral, and write it in the tray. While a seasonal unsharpened pencil or candy cane adds an engaging element, writing with your finger will provide sensory feedback.

Use your imagination! Let us know in the comments below how you used these stocking number cards.

Spin-a-Stocking, A Game for Letters and Beginning Sounds

Try this coordinating Christmas stocking themed game! It’s a great way to practice or review letter recognition and/or the association of initial consonant and short vowel sounds with letters during December in preschool or kindergarten.

Choose from any combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and 2 sets of pictures representing beginning sounds to play. The pictures for the letter x are in the final position representing the /ks/ sound.

Sort your word cards by stocking color and design into 4 stacks. Take turns to spin, name the letter (or sound and letter), and collect the cards!

Click on the highlighted words, Spin-a-Stocking Letters and Sounds, to purchase this resource from my TpT store.

Count to Recognize Christmas Number Mats 0 to 10

Looking for more stocking themed resources? This set of easy to prepare Christmas themed full-page number mats, 0-10, for preschool and kindergarten math, includes ones with stockings.

They are designed to develop skills in counting, numeral recognition, and numeral formation. These are, intentionally, very basic mats. The 3 sets of mats have a numeral along with a corresponding number of items to count; stockings, ornaments on a wreath, and lights on a Christmas tree.

The numerals have green, yellow, and red dots along with arrows to guide correct formation. They are perfect for finger tracing, using dry erase markers, or play dough. Both counting the items and naming the numeral while engaged in forming it help to develop recognition.

You can purchase these Christmas Count to Recognize Number Mats 0-10 in my TpT store.

And don’t forget to download your free Christmas Stocking Number Card Activities!

Title stocking photo is by LiliGraphie. 

The post How to Easily Stuff a Little Learning into December appeared first on Just Ask Judy.