Turn a sweet idea into meaningful assessment with the Ice Cream Counting Assessment. This hands-on task is perfect for checking your students' understanding of essential number concepts, including reading, recognising, ordering, and counting numbers, as well as creating matching collections.

The task begins with students receiving a set of numbered ice cream cones. They identify each number and glue the cones in order. Next, students glue a single scoop on top of each cone and add the correct number of “sprinkles” using materials such as gems, stickers, or drawn dots. This simple yet effective format gives you a clear picture of their number knowledge and one-to-one correspondence.

To gain the most accurate insight into individual understanding, we recommend beginning the task as a one-on-one assessment. As students get underway, you can bring in a second child to begin independently. This format supports clear observation and gives you time to assess without overwhelming the student.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Recognise and name numbers in sequence
• ✅ Order numbers correctly from smallest to largest
• ✅ Count with one-to-one correspondence
• ✅ Create a matching collection for each number

What’s Included

• Numbered ice cream cone templates
• Scoop templates to match with cones
• Instructions for assessment delivery and observation

Materials Needed

• Printed cone and scoop templates
• Glue sticks or paste
• Sprinkles, gems, stickers, or pencils for drawing dots
• Scissors for cutting out cones and scoops
• Optional: clipboard or checklist for assessment notes

How to Use

1. Start the task one-on-one by giving a student a set of numbered cones
2. Ask them to identify the numbers and glue them down in the correct order
3. Have them glue one scoop on each cone
4. Students add the correct number of sprinkles or similar items onto each scoop to match the numeral
5. Observe and record their number recognition, ordering, and counting accuracy

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use at the start or end of a term to assess number concept development
• 💡 Incorporate into a maths or fine motor rotation using sticker dots or drawn sprinkles
• 💡 Pair with other food-themed activities during a fun maths week or unit
• 💡 Display completed cones on a “Sweet Numbers” wall or student portfolio

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Laminate blank cones and scoops for a reusable centre activity
• 💛 Use small counters or pom poms as sprinkles if you'd like a non-gluing version
• 💛 Keep a printed class checklist handy to note observations while students work

The Ice Cream Counting Assessment is a creative and effective way to assess early number understanding in a low-pressure, high-engagement format. A sweet addition to your early years assessment toolkit.