Looking for a sweet and simple way to help your students practise counting to 10? Baking Cupcakes: Counting to 10 Game is a hands-on and engaging activity that supports early number recognition, one-to-one correspondence and turn-taking skills. With colourful cupcake-themed visuals and interactive gameplay, this resource is sure to be a classroom favourite!

Designed for small group play, the aim of the game is for students to take turns selecting cupcake cards, counting carefully and covering the matching numbers on their game board. The first player to fill their board wins! The resource is also easily adaptable for independent use, making it perfect for numeracy centres, early finishers or targeted support sessions.

Baking Cupcakes encourages students to apply their counting skills in a fun, visual format. It also includes an optional recording sheet to extend learning and support assessment. Whether you're building foundational number knowledge or offering playful revision, this resource blends fun with purpose.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Practise counting numbers from 1 to 10
• ✅ Develop one-to-one correspondence and number matching
• ✅ Strengthen number recognition in a game-based context
• ✅ Build social skills through turn-taking and shared play
• ✅ Apply mathematical thinking in a playful, practical setting

What’s Included:

• Game boards (in high and low colour options)
• Cupcake counting cards
• Instruction cards for gameplay
• Optional student recording sheet
• Teacher setup and usage instructions

Materials Needed:

• Printed game boards and cupcake cards (on thick cardstock recommended)
• Counters (optional alternative to cupcake cards)
• Write-and-wipe sleeves (optional, for reusable boards)
• Pencils or markers for use with the recording sheet

How to Use:

1. Print and prepare game boards and cupcake cards for each group.
2. Students take turns drawing a cupcake card and counting the number shown.
3. If the number appears on their board, they place a cupcake card or counter on it.
4. The first player to cover all numbers on their board wins the game.
5. Use the recording sheet as a follow-up activity for students to write or draw their cupcake collections.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Set up as part of a counting-focused numeracy rotation.
• 💡 Use in small groups for early intervention or number revision.
• 💡 Incorporate into a baking or food-themed unit for cross-curricular fun.
• 💡 Allow independent play by having students match cards to a single board without competition.
• 💡 Use cupcake cards as flashcards or warm-ups for quick number talks.

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Laminate game boards and cards for long-term use across the year.
• 💛 Store cards in labelled ziplock bags for easy set-up and pack-away.
• 💛 Use mini erasers or pom poms as fun alternative counters.
• 💛 Encourage students to count aloud to reinforce one-to-one correspondence.

Baking Cupcakes: Counting to 10 Game is a low-prep, high-engagement resource that combines early maths skills with playful learning. Perfect for building counting confidence in your youngest learners!