Make learning to recognise, order and count numbers to 5 fun with The Countapillar Craft: Numbers to 5! This hands-on craft activity challenges students to demonstrate their understanding of numbers from 1 to 5 while creating a colourful and interactive classroom display. The playful format builds number sense and early counting skills through creative learning.

Using the included templates, students cut, assemble and decorate their own ‘Countapillar’. Each body segment is numbered and students add the correct quantity of craft materials to match each number. This concrete practise helps reinforce one-to-one correspondence, number recognition and counting skills. The completed crafts look fantastic displayed with the included Countapillar banner.

The Countapillar Craft: Numbers to 5 is perfect for whole-class maths lessons, small group work, or independent activities. It supports visual and kinaesthetic learners by combining number practise with fine motor skills and creative expression. The activity is easy to differentiate and provides a wonderful opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of early number concepts.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Recognise and order numbers from 1 to 5
• ✅ Demonstrate one-to-one correspondence through counting objects
• ✅ Build confidence with number recognition and number words
• ✅ Develop fine motor skills through cutting, assembling and decorating
• ✅ Foster creativity while consolidating early maths concepts

What’s Included:

• Detailed instructions with decorative suggestions and an example craft
• Countapillar craft pieces
• Numbered body segments with both numerals and number words
• Decorative display banner

Materials Needed:

• Printed Countapillar templates and banner
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Craft materials for decorating (buttons, pom poms, sequins, etc.)
• Display space in the classroom

How to Use:

1. Print the Countapillar templates and banner.
2. Model how to cut, assemble and decorate the Countapillar.
3. Students cut out the pieces and assemble their Countapillar.
4. Students add the correct number of materials to each body segment to match the number.
5. Display completed Countapillars with the Countapillar banner for a bright maths display.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during explicit lessons on number recognition and counting to 5
• 💡 Incorporate into maths rotations as a hands-on counting activity
• 💡 Pair with counting songs and rhymes to reinforce number concepts
• 💡 Display finished crafts to support visual learners and provide a reference for number formation
• 💡 Extend by having students write their own number sentences for each body segment

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Prepare craft materials ahead of time for smooth transitions during the activity
• 💛 Encourage students to say the number aloud as they add each object to a segment
• 💛 Differentiate by providing extra scaffolding or simplifying steps as needed
• 💛 Use the activity to observe student understanding of one-to-one correspondence and number order

The Countapillar Craft: Numbers to 5 is a playful and purposeful way to help students consolidate their understanding of numbers 1 to 5. The hands-on activity makes counting fun, and the bright display will celebrate your students’ learning and creativity.