Counting Gumballs 1–20 Craft is a colourful, hands-on activity that gives students the opportunity to practise counting while creating their own vibrant gumball machine display. This fun and engaging craft is perfect for reinforcing numbers to 20 in the early years.

Students count and glue their own collection of gumballs to a gumball machine template. They then complete a simple sentence prompt to record their total. The activity strengthens number recognition, one-to-one correspondence and fine motor skills - all while encouraging creativity!

Whether using real pom poms or the included printable gumballs, this resource is a versatile and low-prep addition to your maths rotations, assessment tasks, or bulletin board displays. With two differentiated options and a bonus banner for classroom display, it’s as practical as it is eye-catching.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Count and represent quantities to 20 using one-to-one correspondence
• ✅ Record totals using a simple sentence structure
• ✅ Build number confidence through hands-on practise
• ✅ Strengthen fine motor skills through gluing, cutting and colouring
• ✅ Engage in number learning in a fun and creative format

What’s Included:

• Cut-and-paste craft templates in both colour and black and white
• Printable gumballs in multiple colours
• Worksheet version for quick and easy implementation
• Sentence prompt for students to record their total
• Display banner to showcase student work
• Detailed teacher instructions

Materials Needed:

• Printed templates (backing and gumball pieces)
• Scissors and glue
• Pom poms or printed gumballs
• Coloured pencils, markers or crayons
• Optional: coloured card or A3 paper for a bold background

How to Use:

1. Choose between the cut-and-paste craft or worksheet version.
2. Print templates in colour or black and white, depending on your preference.
3. Have students count out a collection of pom poms or paper gumballs.
4. Students glue their gumballs onto the machine and complete the sentence prompt with their total.
5. Assemble all gumball machines under the included banner for a vibrant class display.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as an independent craft station during numeracy rotations
• 💡 Introduce as a counting assessment in a more creative format
• 💡 Set up for small groups using manipulatives like pom poms or beads
• 💡 Include in early finisher tubs with pre-cut pieces ready to go
• 💡 Create a classroom display showing different totals to reinforce comparison language

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print backing templates on coloured card for extra pop and durability
• 💛 Enlarge the gumball machine to A3 for more space to glue and decorate
• 💛 Encourage students to use counting strategies like touching and moving each gumball
• 💛 Ask extension questions: Who has more? Who has fewer? How many more would make 20?

Counting Gumballs 1–20 Craft is a creative and effective way to build number fluency in the early years while giving your classroom a splash of colour and fun!