Can we play the cookie jar game again?” That’s how it all began. Every Valentine’s Day, my kids and I look forward to this fun cookie jar activity that makes learning exciting and memorable. This year, we took it up a notch with free printable Valentine-themed cookie jars and number tags, and we couldn’t wait to start playing!
Valentine’s Day Cookie Counting Activity with Free Printable
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| Valentine’s Day Cookie Counting Activity with Free Printable |
Here’s how you can do the same with free printables, a little prep, and a lot of fun!
Why Cookie Counting Is Perfect for Early Learners
Valentine’s Day is all about sharing love, and what better way to do it
than with a sweet educational activity? Hands-on tasks like this not only
make learning playful but also help kids develop essential skills like:
Counting and Number Recognition
Matching numbers to quantities is a fundamental skill for early learners. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), hands-on activities like this help children connect abstract numbers to tangible objects, deepening their understanding of basic math concepts. By filling the jars with the correct number of cookies, kids engage with counting in a real-world context, making it both practical and enjoyable.
Fine Motor Skills
Placing small “cookies” into jars is more than just fun—it’s great for building fine motor skills. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) emphasizes that activities requiring precision, such as picking up small objects, enhance hand-eye coordination and strengthen the small muscles in the hands. These skills are essential for future tasks like writing, drawing, and using scissors.
Problem-Solving
For older kids, the activity can evolve into an introduction to problem-solving. By combining or removing cookies to meet specific number challenges, children practice addition and subtraction in a playful way. Studies in the Journal of Early Childhood Research show that incorporating problem-solving into everyday activities fosters critical thinking skills and builds mathematical confidence at an early age.
A Hands-On Math Manipulative Activity
Math manipulative are powerful tools for making abstract concepts tangible. They help children see, touch, and engage with math in a hands-on way, fostering a deeper understanding of foundational skills. The Valentine’s Day Cookie Jar activity is a perfect example of a math-manipulative exercise that combines fun with effective learning.
Why Math Manipulative Matter
According to Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, using manipulative in math education improves children’s ability to grasp abstract concepts by giving them concrete experiences. This activity leverages the benefits of manipulative to teach:
- Counting and Cardinality: Matching the number of cookies to the number on the jar builds an understanding of quantity and sets the stage for addition and subtraction.
- Sorting and Comparing: Children can sort cookies by size, shape, or color and compare quantities, enhancing classification and analytical skills.
- Problem-Solving and Logical Thinking: When kids are tasked with filling jars to match specific numbers, they develop strategies for grouping, adding, and removing items.
What You’ll Need
- Heart-shaped cookies (printed from our free templates).
- Printable cookie jars (download from the bottom of the article).
- Number tags (1 to 20, included in the free printable).
- Scissors for cutting.
- Laminator (optional, for re-usability).
How to Set Up Your Cookie Counting Activity
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Download and Print the Free PrintableVisit The Pro Lerner for free Valentine cookie jar printables, heart-shaped cookies, and number tags. Print them out and laminate them for durability if you plan to reuse them.
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Cut Out the Printable
- Cut out the cookie jars and attach the corresponding number tags to each jar.
- Cut the printable cookies or use real heart-shaped cookies for a tasty twist.
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Let the Kids Play and Learn
- Give each child a cookie jar and a set of cookies.
- Attach a number tag to the jar (e.g., “5”).
- The kids will count and place the matching number of cookies in the jar.
This simple setup encourages kids to practice math in a fun, engaging way. For older kids, you can introduce addition or subtraction challenges. For example, “If you already have 3 cookies in the jar, how many more do you need to make 5?”
Why This Activity Stands Out
Research shows that playful learning creates stronger memory connections. Kids grasp abstract concepts faster by associating numbers with physical objects like cookies. Plus, the tactile experience of cutting, laminating, and placing cookies builds fine motor skills.
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| Valentine’s Day Cookie Counting Activity with Free Printable |
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| Valentine’s Day Cookie Counting Activity with Free Printable |
Download Your Free Printable Now
Ready to start? Grab these free Valentine’s Day printables today:
More Download free printables now and let the fun begin free The Pro Lerner.
Sweet Memories, Sweet Learning
When we finished our cookie activity, my youngest proudly exclaimed, “I counted all by myself!” Moments like these remind me why I love mixing fun with learning. So, this Valentine’s Day, let’s make math a little sweeter with cookies, jars, and lots of playful joy.
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