INSIDE: Shamrock counting wands is a fun and easy math activity for toddlers and preschoolers. Create these adorable feather wands for your child to practice their one to one counting this St. Patrick’s Day.
St. Patrick’s Day Math
I created this counting and math activity for my 6.5 year old but it can be modified for any age from toddler to an older child. For my 6.5 year old, I had her solve math problems and then determine which sum was greater. I then had her place a set of tongs to represent the greater than/ less than symbol between the shamrocks to show which one was greater.
I love using tongs for this type of activity because they are super accessible and provide a hands on method for learning greater than/ less than.
How to Make Shamrock Counting Wands
- Grab your cardboard and use a pencil to draw the shape of a shamrock (three hearts drawn with their points touching in the middle with a stem).
- Cut scissors or box cut them out. I created 10 cardboard shamrocks.
- Take your green tempera paint or a green paint stick and paint the shamrocks green on both sides.
- Once they are dry, wrap a gold pipe cleaner around the stem of the shamrock to help keep it in place and to prevent it from coming off while your child attaches the pony beads.
RELATED… FAST & EASY MATH ACTIVITIES
5. Next, take your sharpie and write out the numbers or math problems you want your little one count to or complete.
Ways to Modify This Activity
For toddlers, keep it simple 1-6. If you have a preschoolers: 1-10. For older kids, you can do simple math problems.
And for my 6.5 year old I had her solve double digit addition and then compare two numbers to determine which was greater or less than. I then handed her a set of tongs to illustrate which one was greater than or less than.
RELATED… Want more activities using pony beads? Check out these cool ideas.
Time to Count using you Shamrock Counting Wands
Pour some pony beads into a bowl and invite your toddler to count the number on the shamrock. After they have identified the number on the shamrock and then slide that same number of beads down the pipe cleaner.
Looking for more Fun St. Patrick’s Craft & Activities? Check out these fun ideas:
Supplies
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- Cardboard
- Green tempera paint or paint stick
- Pipe cleaners
- Black Sharpie
- Pony beads
WILL YOU TRY SHAMROCK COUNTING WANDS WITH YOUR TODDLER OR PRESCHOOLER THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY? PIN IT FOR LATER!
