Students who are ready to build on their early number knowledge will love the hands-on challenge of the Number Collector Sort: Recognising Numbers 6–10. This colourful and engaging resource helps students develop fluency in recognising numbers through sorting and matching.

Students will work independently or in small groups to flip, examine and sort cards that represent numbers from 6 to 10 in a variety of formats. As they match each card to the correct column on the sorting mat, they’re exposed to numerals, tallies, dot patterns, object groups, and ten frames – strengthening visual connections and reinforcing their understanding of number concepts.

With six different mats and matching card sets included, this activity is ideal for rotation work and offers multiple rounds of play. It can also be used alongside the Number Collector Assessment: Recognising Numbers 6–10 to assess understanding.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Recognise numbers from 6 to 10 in a variety of visual formats
• ✅ Match number representations with the correct numeral
• ✅ Sort and classify objects based on numerical attributes
• ✅ Develop fluency with common number representations including tallies, ten frames and dice patterns
• ✅ Practise fine motor skills and one-to-one correspondence

What’s Included

6 x Number Collector Sort mats (in high and low colour)

6 x sets of cards to match each mat

1 x set of teacher instructions

Materials Needed

Printed mats and cards (preferably on thick cardstock)

Scissors or guillotine for card prep

Optional: zip-lock bags or containers for each card set

Plastic sleeves or folders for organisation

How to Use

1. Print each sorting mat and matching card set in your preferred colour option.
2. Cut out the cards and store them with their matching mats.
3. Provide each student or group with one sorting mat and its corresponding card set.
4. Students flip a card, identify the number shown, and place it in the matching column on the mat.
5. Once all cards are sorted correctly, students may move on to a different mat for a new round.
6. Review and discuss representations with students to reinforce their understanding.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Use during numeracy rotations for small group or independent practice
• 💡 Pair with explicit teaching on number representations
• 💡 Use as an informal assessment tool before beginning formal number tasks
• 💡 Display the mats on an interactive whiteboard and sort as a whole class

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Print the mats at A3 size for easier visibility and sorting
• 💛 Laminate the cards and mats for repeated use throughout the year
• 💛 Use velcro dots or magnetic strips on the back of cards for vertical play on magnetic boards
• 💛 Follow up with the Number Collector Game: Recognising Numbers 6–10 to reinforce skills through play

Through hands-on sorting and repeated exposure, the Number Collector Sort: Recognising Numbers 6–10 helps students confidently connect and classify number representations – setting a strong foundation for future number sense.