Looking for a sweet way to build number recognition and early counting skills? The Matching Cupcakes Worksheets are a delightful way to help students practise numbers 1 to 10 while working on numeral, word and quantity matching in a structured, visual way. With a mix of formats and engaging cupcake visuals, this resource adds a playful twist to essential numeracy skills.

Each worksheet challenges students to count the sprinkles on cupcakes and match them with the correct numeral or number word using colour-coding. Whether your students are matching numerals to quantities, connecting number words to digits, or doing both with writing included, the differentiated formats allow for flexible use across a range of abilities and settings. The activity encourages fluency in one-to-one correspondence, visual discrimination, and number-word recognition.

These worksheets can be used as independent tasks, small group stations or even as take-home practise. They’re perfect for numeracy rotations, consolidation after explicit teaching, or as a no-prep early finisher task. With answer sheets included, student-led correction is simple, and additional tactile elements can easily be introduced for extra engagement.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Recognise and match numbers 1–10 in multiple forms
• ✅ Strengthen number-word correspondence and numeral identification
• ✅ Develop one-to-one correspondence through counting objects
• ✅ Build confidence in early Maths routines using colour, writing and visual matching

What’s Included

• Multiple worksheets targeting numbers 1–10
• 3 differentiated versions:
  • - Count and match sprinkles to numerals
  • - Match cupcakes to number words
  • - Write the correct numeral before matching all forms
• Answer sheets for easy checking or self-assessment

Materials Needed

• Printed worksheets
• Coloured pencils or crayons for matching
• Pencils for writing numerals
• Optional: pom poms or counters for sprinkle-counting support

How to Use

1. Introduce the worksheet style based on your teaching focus (numerals, words or both).
2. Students count the sprinkles on each cupcake and either colour-match or write the corresponding number.
3. For higher-level practise, students can complete all three steps: write the numeral, then match to a word and a quantity.
4. Use the answer sheet for peer review or student self-checking.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use as part of a numeracy rotation for targeted early counting and matching
• 💡 Provide as a take-home task for family involvement in number practise
• 💡 Use as an assessment snapshot for number recognition and one-to-one correspondence

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Work through one or two examples as a class before students complete the task independently
• 💛 Laminate sheets and place them in write-and-wipe sleeves to reuse with dry-erase markers
• 💛 Pair with tactile materials such as pom poms or mini erasers to support counting
• 💛 Use the differentiated versions to support mixed-ability groups or scaffold learning over multiple lessons

This resource is a versatile and engaging way to support early maths development with a creative twist. Your students will love the cupcake theme, and you’ll love the math mastery they build while working.

This pairs perfectly with our Matching Cupcakes (1–10) Activity.