Matching numbers activity with free leaf printable-build number recognition, counting and fine motor skills in fun, hands-on play.
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This matching numbers activity is a fun way for young learners to build number recognition skills, one-to-one correspondence, and the correct order of numbers-while strengthening fine motor skills with peg pinching. It's perfect for home learning, small groups, and math centers in PreK - 1st grade, with simple extensions for larger numbers up to 20+.
What you'll need
- Printed Leaf PDF
- Contact paper (sticky back plastic) or a laminator
- Wooden clothes pegs
- Permanent marker
- Scissors
- Optional: foam dice, pom poms or small objects for counting
Print out the Free Leaf PDF here.
Directions
Cut out each leaf from the printed PDF
Cut a large piece of contact paper / sticky back plastic and lay each leaf face down on the sticky side of contact paper. Cut another piece of contact paper and place both sticky sides together to create a bond
Cut each leaf out from contact paper, be sure to leave a small edge so contact paper stays adhered
Number your clothes pegs 1 to 10 using the permanent marker
Place in a basket for children to match the number of dots to the number on the clothes peg
Notes:
It's okay if there are bubbles in the contact paper. You can smooth them out with a little bit of rubbing once leaves are cut out.
Tip: If you have a laminator your can also use this to cover your leaves in plastic.
How to play (and level it up)
- Classic clip & match: Children count the dots and clip the peg with the right number-a great way to practise one-to-one correspondence and number concepts.
- Create a number line: Line up leaves in the correct order; ask which comes before/after to grow number sequences and mental math.
- Roll & find: Roll a die and grab the leaf that shows the corresponding number of dots.
- Number words: Add a second peg set with number words (one, two, three…) to build number names.
- Ten-frame & dot cards: Add ten-frame cards or dot cards; children match quantities shown different ways to the same corresponding number.
- Mini sums: Pick two leaves and practise simple addition ("3 + 2 = ?") or number bonds to 10 for math fun.
- Order & compare: Sort leaves from smaller number to larger number; use language like more/less/equal to build critical thinking.
Differentiation ideas (prek - 4th grade math)
- PreK-K: Use 1-5 or 1-10 leaves; add small objects (pom poms, mini insects) to place onto each leaf for hands-on activities and fine motor skills.
- Year 1 / Grade 1: Extend to 20; mix number words, dice pips, tallies, and numerals to deepen number recognition skills.
- Years 2-4 / Grades 2-4: Use larger numbers, make two- or three-digit leaves, practise skip counting (2s, 5s, 10s) and quick mental math (e.g., "+10" or "-10").
- Special Education / Occupational therapy: Keep steps short, use high-contrast prints and thicker pegs for grip; clip-and-match is a hands-on activity that can support fine motor development (always adapt to individual skill level).
Digital & distance options
Prefer paperless? Turn this into digital task cards for distance learning. Create slides with leaf images (dots) and draggable numerals, or use number matching Boom Cards for self-checking practice. Websites like IXL can reinforce number sequences and basic operations alongside your printable.
Assessment & regular practice
- Quick checks: Can the child match a leaf to the correct number within 3-5 seconds?
- Fluency grid: Time a 1-minute "match as many as you can" round; track progress weekly for regular practice.
- Observation notes: Look for efficient counting, mistakes like recounting, or confusion with number words vs numerals.
Storage, setup & classroom tips
- Batch-laminate sets for math centers and small groups; colour-code by skill level (1-5, 1-10, 11-20).
- Store pegs in a small lidded box or zip pouch clipped to the set for hours of fun and easy rotation.
- Add a simple numbers game station: "Roll, find, clip, and record."
Cross-curricular twists
- Visual arts: Invite children to design their own leaf shapes or add autumn textures for graphic arts fun.
- Outdoor learning / physical education: Chalk giant leaves outside; run to the corresponding number called out.
- Literacy: Swap in lowercase letters for an alphabet paste match or use leaf vocabulary in vocal music call-and-response songs.
- Seasonal: Pair with autumn crafts, or try a simple free count Halloween number challenge using the same pegs.
Why educators love number matching
Activities like this are a perfect way to introduce counting, strengthen number sense, and transition to worksheets later. Leaf-themed sets are especially popular in autumn math centers and mirror widely used classroom variations (leaf stickers on a tree, paper cup number matching game, apple-themed match-ups).
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Short, teacher-tested items to prep and extend your set (affiliate links):
- Self-sealing laminating pouches (no machine needed)
- Clear sticky-back plastic / contact paper (budget option)
- Wooden clothes pegs, pack of 100
- Permanent marker (Sharpie, fine point)
- Soft foam dice for roll-and-find games
- Pom-pom & tweezers fine-motor set for sets of objects counting
You might also like
- Easy Apple Crafts For Preschoolers - great counting prompts with apple themes.
- How To Make Coloured Rice For Sensory Play (Rainbow Rice) - perfect for a counting sensory bin.
- Free Fall Fun Bingo Game Printable (Instant PDF) - seasonal classroom fun.
- How To Make Paper Pumpkins (Craft Tutorial) - autumn art add-on from this post's related links.
FAQ's
What age is this suitable for?
PreK-K and kindergarten students will get the most from it; with tweaks it scales to 2nd grade math and 3rd-4th grade math for fluency games.
How can I include number words?
Make a second peg set labelled number names (one, two, three) and have children clip both numeral and word to the same leaf.
Any ideas for middle school or high school?
Number matching is primarily an early-years educational activity, but you can repurpose the format for larger numbers, factors/multiples, or quick mental math warm-ups-even in adult education numeracy.
Terms of use
This free printable is for personal/classroom use only. See my disclosure policy and terms of use pages for full details (including weekly newsletter sign-up freebies).
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