Add some monster fun to your maths block with our Spotty Monster: Addition to 10 Craft! This hands-on activity helps students visualise and represent addition problems to 10 in a creative and engaging way while building their number sense through tactile, purposeful learning.

Students begin by assembling a colourful monster using the provided templates. Then, they use two different colours of pom poms (or other creative materials) to represent the two parts of an addition problem. Finally, they complete the activity by writing a matching number sentence underneath or beside their monster, connecting the concrete representation with the abstract mathematical concept. This craft not only supports number work but also strengthens fine motor skills and provides opportunities for mathematical conversations in your classroom.

No pom poms? No problem! You can swap them out for sequins, buttons, dot stickers, or even scrunched-up pieces of tissue or paper to create the same vibrant effect. The activity is flexible enough to suit a variety of materials you already have on hand, and the finished product makes a fun and colourful addition to your maths wall or bulletin board display.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Represent and solve addition problems to 10 using visual supports
• ✅ Build early number sense and understanding of part-part-whole relationships
• ✅ Record addition facts using accurate number sentences
• ✅ Strengthen fine motor skills through cutting, gluing, and placing objects
• ✅ Engage in hands-on learning to reinforce mathematical thinking

What’s Included:

• Monster craft templates including monster body, eyes, and backing sheet
• Addition number sentence recording sheet
• Display banner for classroom walls or bulletin boards
• Step-by-step instructions with a completed example

Materials Needed:

• Printed templates (on paper or white cardstock)
• Scissors and glue sticks
• Pom poms, sequins, buttons, or dot stickers for monster spots
• Markers or coloured pencils
• Optional: tweezers for added fine motor practice

How to Use:

1. Print and cut out the monster templates for your students.
2. Have students assemble and decorate their monster bodies using the pieces provided.
3. Provide each student with two colours of counting objects (e.g. pom poms) to represent two parts of an addition fact.
4. Students place or glue their objects onto the monster to show the two groups.
5. Students write the matching number sentence using the recording sheet or directly on the backing card.
6. Display the completed crafts on a classroom wall using the included banner.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during maths rotations as a hands-on station activity
• 💡 Integrate into a week-long unit on addition to 10
• 💡 Provide a variety of materials for students to choose from to decorate their monsters
• 💡 Pair students and have them explain each other’s number sentences
• 💡 Use as a formative assessment to check for understanding of addition strategies

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print templates on white cardstock for durability and let students paint their monsters before assembling
• 💛 Enlarge the templates to A3 for a big, bold display that stands out on your maths wall
• 💛 Use tweezers for placing the “spots” to add an extra fine motor challenge
• 💛 Set up a craft station with colour-sorted materials to support student independence

Spotty Monster: Addition to 10 Craft is a playful, purposeful activity that brings number work to life through creativity and hands-on learning—perfect for maths rotations, small group work, or a vibrant classroom display your students will be proud of!