Winter Counting Mats

These winter counting mats are a fun way for preschoolers to learn about numbers. You can have a great time clipping on clothespins to the number cards or placing counters on top of the pictures. These math worksheets are a great way to have fun with winter-themed items while learning more about numbers.

We have more winter printables for kids here. 

Combining learning with seasons is something that we love to do in our home. There’s just something about the combination that makes it stick in the kids’ brains a little better.

Plus, using fun items as counters just makes it all that much better. The colored pom poms are always a fun hit, making this learning activity a good time and one they’ll look forward to.

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How to make learning fun this winter?

During winter, the kids seem to love learning with a variety of animals or “snow” activities as well. And this is fine with me because it means I can really vary up the themes to keep the learning fresh and new.

One way to keep learning fun and fresh all year long is to incorporate your surroundings as well. It seems to help everyone transition well into the next learning phase.

Plus, having a variety of learning is also a big need. Kids love knowing that they are going to have fun and learn at the same time.

I also like to talk to them about what we have coming up so they can get geared up and ready to learn.

Recommended Winter Books

Reading is a great tool that will help you continue to develop your children’s minds and vocabulary. Read your favorite winter books to go along with these winter counting activities.

Anytime you can combine the same winter-themed books with whatever you’re learning, you’re going to help them remember that much more. And when it comes down to it, I think we can all agree that reading is a HUGE building block for so many other types of learning as well.

When you’re adding books to your learning fun, make sure you pick ones the kids will like and enjoy. There are so many great books that people of different ages will like, so you can really change things up and have fun with your choices.

The older kids will like the books you choose from the younger kids, too. This is because the pictures always draw the kids in. Even if you have kids who aren’t quite old enough to start reading, let them look at the pictures in the books. They’ll be engaged and want to see more, and this will help them want to start reading asap.

The Snowy DayGoodbye Autumn, Hello WinterTen Sparkly SnowflakesThe Biggest Snowman EverOver and Under the SnowThe Giving Snowman: A Children’s Bedtime Story about Gratitude

 

Skills kids can learn from printable winter counting mats

• Number recognition: Kids repeatedly see and match numbers with groups of objects, which helps them build familiarity and confidence. When my older kids were younger, they picked up number patterns much quicker with hands-on mats like these.
• One-to-one correspondence: Children learn to place one item for each object they count, reinforcing early math structure. This is especially helpful for kids who tend to skip or double-count.
• Simple addition and subtraction awareness: While the mats focus on counting, kids naturally begin noticing how quantities grow or shrink as they add or remove pieces. This gives them a gentle introduction to future math skills without pressure.
• Fine motor development: Moving small pieces across the mat helps strengthen finger control. My daughter always enjoyed using themed counters, and it gave her steady practice without feeling like work.

Recommended Winter Printable Packs

If you’re looking to expand your winter lineup, these printable packs pair nicely with seasonal lessons. They provide a natural next step after the counting worksheets.

Winter Counting Mats Supplies

I created these super cute counting mats and puzzles with a penguin and snowman theme, who wouldn’t love that? They’re so cute. The first page consists of counting cards, and you can use a clothespin to clip the correct answer. You could also use a manipulative or counter like a block, pom pom ball, or color with a bingo dabber.

Home Genie Large Wooden Clothespins, 2.9Dabbin’ Win Mini Bingo Ink Markers 5 Dauber PackTake Home Versatile Math Manipulatives Kit

 

Recommended Winter Toys

During the colder months, I like keeping a few winter puzzles, cards, or board games available. These have always given my kids a break from screens while still connecting to seasonal topics.

Chuckle & Roar – Christmas Village Puzzle – Engaging and Educational Puzzles for Kids – Larger Pieces Designed for Preschool Hands – 50 PC Floor PuzzleMoinKidz Christmas Wooden Puzzles for Kids Ages 4-8, Large 48 Piece Round Jigsaw Puzzle for 3 4 5 6 7 8 Year Old, Merry Winter Holiday Farm Floor Puzzles for Kids Ages 3-5Chalk and Chuckles Season Wise Board Game – Early Learning Preschool Educational Toy for Kids Ages 3-6 | Learn About Seasons, Sorting & Weather | STEM Activity for Boys & GirlsHasbro Gaming Don’t Break The Ice Mammoth Edition Board Game | Ages 3 and Up | 2 to 4 Players | Preschool and Kids Games (Amazon Exclusive)Jkhycf Winter Christmas Bingo Game for 24 Players – Holiday Snow Bingo Cards for Adults and Kids – Party Board Table Game for Family and Large GroupsWinter Game Penguin Sledding Disk Drop (Wood Board with 6 disks)

 

What’s included in this Winter Counting Mats Activity Pack?

There are 10 counting mats where you can use the above materials on the numbers as well. I’ve also written out the numbers so that your child can trace them. I think it’s important to have the kids learn in a way that works for them, so pay attention to what works best for them.

The end of the pack includes 4 different number puzzles to help your children skip count. By the time they’re done with the printables, they’ll be ready for even more fun number learning.

The counting mats can be used for toddlers up to kindergarten students, depending on your child. They get to practice number recognition, spelling, and writing their numbers.

When you can combine all of these learning aspects for the kids, they’re going to have a really well-rounded approach to learning fun.

Ways to Extend the Activity

The reason we have so much fun with winter counting mats is that they are really great for counting. The more the kids learn about numbers, the faster they’ll be able to grow their love of counting and learn more.

Remember to let the kids be a part of the learning process. Talk to them about the numbers they’re learning, and have them talk to you about them, too. If they see the number three, ask them to point out three items in the house that are meaningful to them.

You can also keep the lesson going with some activities that will further develop their skills and knowledge of the season:

• Winter Cutting Activities for Preschoolers
• Winter Addition Worksheets
• Hibernation Worksheets for Preschoolers

You can easily take the learning off the paper with just a few creative questions. It doesn’t have to happen this way every single time, but it can be helpful in certain lessons to stretch it out and keep students engaged.

More Winter Printables

Don’t miss out on these other fun winter activities for kids. The best part is that they’re all geared toward this time of year, which really makes winter learning fun.

• Winter Letter Find Worksheets
• Arctic Animals Addition Cards
• Winter Lacing Cards
• Winter Fairies Counting Mats
• Winter Notebooking Pages
• Winter Games Color by Addition Worksheets
• Snowman Do-a-Dot Printables by Gift of Curiosity
• Winter Pack by 3 Dinosaurs

You’ll find that the kids may like this approach as well and ask you to do more. This is a great way to be a part of their lessons, too. Have fun with them while they’re learning with these printables.

Download the Winter counting mats below

Print out the winter counting mats, which come with counting cards and puzzles as well. To make your puzzles last longer, laminate them or cover them with contact paper. I love doing this, and I’ve found that it saves me so much time and sanity.

Get the winter counting mats here!

Help your kids learn how to count with these winter money puzzles. Perfect activity during the cold weather months.

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