This is a fun, hands-on counting game for students in your preschool, pre-k, or kindergarten classroom.

I’m all about hands-on learning so when I discovered these dog bone erasers in the Dollar Spot at Target several months ago I knew I had struck gold. I already had dog bowls and mini stuffed dogs on hand from the Puppy Chow activity so I was good to go.

Dog Bone Counting Game Supplies

• Dog Bone Erasers
• Plastic Dog Bowls
• Stuffed Dogs
• Foam Die

How to Play the Dog Bone Counting Game

Give each child in your small group one dog bowl, a stuffed dog, and some bone erasers. Students will take turns rolling the die and placing the corresponding number of erasers in their dog bowl.

I’m reading a book called Teaching Young Children Mathematics by Sydney L. Schwartz and the author has some great insights into using games to teach math skills. When I read the following paragraph it was one of those fist pumping moments of affirmation when you finally see in black and white what you’ve always known in your heart to be true.

“When we embed skill practice in the game structure, we create the best conditions for children to practice academic skills as well as provide support for their psychomotor and social learning.”

As my friend Sheldon says, “Bazinga!” Well said Sydney!

In case you’re wondering, the mini stuffed dogs are from McDonald’s Happy Meals but you could easily find other types of stuffed dogs to use. You can usually find dog bowls at Dollar Tree year round.

Follow my Teaching Math board on Pinterest for more great ideas!