Count the Apples
Bring numbers to life with this delightful and tactile apple tree counting set. Children are invited to fill illustrated trees with the correct number of red apples to match a given number—shown both as a numeral and in dot formation. Then, they complete the tree by adding green apples to make a total of 10, encouraging them to practice early addition, number bonds, and subtraction skills in a concrete and visual way.
Perfect for use in early years and Key Stage 1 classrooms, this engaging activity combines numeracy with fine motor development, offering a multi-sensory approach to learning that supports a variety of learning styles. Whether used in guided small groups, individual play, or learning stations, the Count the Apples counting set makes mastering numbers meaningful, fun, and memorable. Ages 3yrs+.
Key Educational Benefits:
- Builds Number Sense: Helps children recognise and associate numerals with quantities. Encourages understanding of part-part-whole relationships (e.g., 3 red apples + 7 green apples = 10). Supports flexible thinking about numbers and different ways to make 10.
- Introduces Early Addition and Subtraction: Teaches children how to add to a given number to reach a total (i.e., the number 10). Strengthens understanding of number composition and decomposition.
- Enhances Fine Motor Skills: Picking up and placing apples (counters or stickers) develops hand-eye coordination and pincer grip. Supports pre-writing skills through careful placement and counting actions.
- Develops Visual and Quantitative Reasoning: Reinforces recognition of numerical patterns (e.g., dots vs. numerals). Encourages estimation and visual grouping strategies.
- Encourages Mathematical Language and Communication: Provides opportunities to talk about numbers using terms like "how many more," "add," "equals," "altogether," and "difference".
Contents
30 Red Wooden Pegs
30 Green Wooden Pegs
10 Wooden Tree Cards
Instruction Manual