Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Learning · The activity desk
Ice cream counting folder
Draw pretend scoops and match quantities to numbers in a folder.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
A paper folder and large child-appropriate crayons.
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: Open the folder. An adult draws three large cones on one side and labels them 1, 2, and 3.
Adult's role: Stay beside the child and help draw or count when invited.
Let's make it happen
- Draw one scoop above the first cone, two above the second, and three above the third.
- Point to a number, then touch and count each scoop above that cone.
- Take turns choosing a cone. Color its scoops or imagine a flavor for each one.
Make it simpler: Start with one cone and count one scoop together.
Clean up: Close the folder and put away the crayons.
This is a drawing activity; no food or loose pieces are needed.