Counting Acorns for Hibernation | Math and Life Science Activities

Pre-K and kindergarten learners will enjoy counting along as these woodland animals prepare for the upcoming winter. Begin the journey with a read-along book focusing on counting 1-10 and number word identification. Learn that squirrels are not the only ones who gather, store, and feast on acorns in anticipation for the upcoming winter. Watch as ten woodland creatures fly, scurry, and roam through the forest in search of these tasty treats provided by the great oak tree. Extend the concept of counting where learners will participate in STEM, sensory, gross/fine motor and social/emotional activities. Round out the theme with 13 worksheets that give learners the opportunity to strengthen skills in counting, sequencing, patterns, 1-to-1 correspondence, and prepositions. Not only does this product focus on math and science concepts for young learners, but it can also be used throughout the Autumn season. The book, Not Only Squirrel, serves as a springboard for introducing science topics such as habitats, animal groups, animal characteristics, seasons, life cycles, as well as living and non-living things. Best of all, the colorful graphics, rhyming, and repetition will engage your learners from start to finish. The book and worksheets are all available in color and b&w formats. An answer key is also included. You’ll love the print and go format for days when time is scarce or schedules are changed, or when you need a last-minute activity to provide a substitute teacher. If you’re looking for hands-on learning to add to your teaching toolbox, look no further. These activities are designed around the animals from the story and include a variety of skills to encourage and engage your learners while promoting whole-child learning. Below is a detailed list of items included in this product.

BOOK – Not Only Squirrel – 12 pages

WORKSHEETS

1 & 2: counting acorns on trees, tracing and writing numbers 0-10

3: matching the number near blue jay to corresponding groups of acorns

4: filling in the missing number in mouse’s sequenced acorns

5: counting and comparing (more/fewer) the number of acorns in chipmunk’s mouth

6: identifying the number on turkey’s belly and coloring the corresponding number of acorns

7: reading the number word on oak leaves and coloring the wild boar’s acorns showing the matching number

8: counting the number of holes woodpecker has drilled into the tree trunk and writing the number on the line

9: completing and coloring AB patterns with deer and his acorns

10: working the way through bear’s acorn maze by identifying numbers and crossing out letters and shapes

11: counting acorns and coloring the part of the racoon’s circle that shows the same number of acorns

12: identifying and drawing prepositions to show the location of Frankie squirrel’s acorns.

13: cutting and gluing woodland animals to correspond with the number of acorns they gathered in the story

ACTIVITIES       

1: STEM – creating a playdough tree trunk with the closest measurement to fit woodpecker’s acorns

2: STEM – stacking acorns in a horizonal cup (squirrel’s tree hole) so as to not have any of them fall out

3: STEM – creating a playdough bear to fit in a cave proportionate to its size

4: FINE MOTOR (cutting and gluing) – cut the acorn puzzle and glue it back together on mouse’s paper

5: SENSORY – pretend to be a turkey and dig through various materials to find acorns

6: GROSS MOTOR – pretend to be a blue jay and search for a designated number of acorns

7: FINE MOTOR – pretend to be a wild boar and search through playdough to find hidden acorns

8: MATH SKILLS - count the number of acorns in two chipmunks’ mouths and compare which creature has more/fewer

9: SENSORY - pretend to be a racoon searching in the dark for acorns among other similarly shaped items

10: FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS - pretend to be a squirrel and hide your acorns in designated locations

11: WRITING - write an answer to the question prompt and illustrate your writing

12: SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL – identify acorn’s facial expressions and dialogue to express emotions through words