Allow your students to practise the order of numbers by identifying before, between, and after numbers to 20. These Numbers to 20 Task Cards: Missing Number are a hands-on way to support early counting, sequencing, and number fluency in a fun and practical format.

This hiking-themed task card set includes 64 cards, grouped into three activity types: finding the number that comes before, the number that comes between, and the number that comes after. Students use their number knowledge to read the sequence and record the missing number, helping them build a deeper understanding of counting forwards and backwards within 20.

The cards are ideal for maths centres, small group instruction, fast finishers, or one-on-one intervention. Each card is clear and accessible, with space for students to write their answers on a whiteboard or worksheet. Use the whole set or select just one focus skill to align with your lesson. This task card set fits perfectly into the Kmart rainbow storage containers, making them easy to prep, organise, and use year-round.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Identify numbers that come before, between, and after within 20
• ✅ Practise number sequencing and counting in both directions
• ✅ Strengthen number fluency and understanding of numerical order
• ✅ Develop confidence in writing and recognising missing numbers

What’s Included

• 64 hiking-themed task cards across three activities:
  • - Missing before number
  • - Missing between number
  • - Missing after number
• Instruction card for teacher or student reference
• Formatted to fit Kmart rainbow storage containers

Materials Needed

• Printed task cards (laminated for durability)
• Whiteboard and marker or recording sheet
• Optional: number line or hundred chart for support

How to Use

1. Print and cut the task cards, then laminate for reuse
2. Place sets into labelled containers by skill or use mixed sets
3. Students read the number sequence and identify the missing number
4. They record their answer on a mini whiteboard or worksheet
5. Use for independent practise, guided groups, or maths stations

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use in a “Missing Number” rotation with support tools like number lines
• 💡 Create a challenge set where students race to complete the card stack
• 💡 Pair cards with manipulatives to model counting before answering
• 💡 Display one example card during whole-class instruction as a warm-up

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Store each task card set in zip-lock bags or coloured containers for quick access
• 💛 Start with ‘before’ or ‘after’ cards before progressing to ‘between’ for scaffolding
• 💛 Encourage peer checking for self-assessment and discussion

This task card pack is from our Numbers to 20 Task Card Package which is designed to fit in the Kmart rainbow storage containers. You can access all 12 packs in one easy download.

You might also like other task card sets in this package including: Blueberry Pairs, Twenty Candies, Counting Blocks, Tally Marks to 20, Number Scramble Ordering, Comparing Numbers, Counting Apples, More or Less, Twenty Buttons, Number Bonds, I Spy Numbers.

You might also be interested in our interactive Numbers to 20 PowerPoint games: Lemon Picking, Pirate Sea Race, Monsters Vs Heroes, Counting Numbers to 20.