With the Number Rainbows 1–10 Activity, students can explore numbers in multiple visual forms, helping them build strong number sense and pattern recognition. This engaging, hands-on task is designed to support early learners as they match numerical representations and deepen their familiarity with numbers 1 to 10.

Perfect for small group work, independent centres or whole-class consolidation, this vibrant resource gives students the opportunity to manipulate and visually construct each number rainbow. The process of matching representations also provides excellent support for students who benefit from tactile and visual learning styles.

By encouraging active participation and number matching, Number Rainbows 1–10 Activity develops foundational counting skills, encourages self-correction, and offers repeated practice in identifying quantities in various forms. This is an ideal addition to your numeracy rotations or fine motor stations.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Recognise and identify numbers 1–10
• ✅ Match numbers to quantities using various representations
• ✅ Develop number sense through visual and hands-on activities
• ✅ Strengthen early counting, subitising, and quantity recognition
• ✅ Build fine motor skills through cutting, pasting, and arranging

What’s Included

• 10 full-page rainbows for the numbers 1–10
• 40 number representation cards (4 for each number)
• Black and white version for low-ink printing

Materials Needed

• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Printed rainbow templates and number representation cards
• Optional: laminator and velcro dots for reusable setup

How to Use

1. Print and cut the rainbow templates and matching number representation cards.
2. Select a rainbow template for a focus number between 1 and 10.
3. Ask students to sort through the cards and find the four representations that match the focus number (tens frame, tally marks, fingers, domino).
4. Have students glue the correct cards onto the rainbow strips or attach them using velcro for reuse.
5. Display completed number rainbows on a bulletin board or maths wall for continued reference.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use during numeracy rotations for independent practice matching quantities to numbers
• 💡 Laminate pieces and use them in a small group centre as an interactive matching task
• 💡 Set up a number of the day station where students build the matching rainbow
• 💡 Incorporate into a morning starter to reinforce counting and subitising concepts
• 💡 Display finished rainbows to build a number wall with multiple representations

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Store each number’s cards in a labelled ziplock bag for easy access and organisation
• 💛 Encourage students to explain their choices aloud to support mathematical language development
• 💛 Reuse laminated sets with velcro dots for repeated practice and less paper waste
• 💛 Pair with manipulatives like counting bears or unifix cubes to extend learning
• 💛 Add blank cards so students can draw their own representations for extra challenge

Number Rainbows 1–10 Activity is a colourful, practical resource that blends number recognition, representation, and fine motor fun – a perfect way to bring numeracy to life in your early years classroom!