A Number Recognition Game for the Pizza Lover
Looking for a fun way to play with counting? This number recognition game, using leftover cardboard and a pizza box, is a yummy way to play with counting!
Plus, who doesn’t love pizza?! This easy-to-make game is sure to grab a preschooler’s attention while making counting and number recognition fun. Grab a slice, count the toppings and match it to the corresponding number inside the pizza box!
Your kiddo doesn’t like pepperoni? No problem! This activity is super adaptable based on your child’s pizza topping preferences. Counting all the way up to 20? No problem! This number recognition game is also super adaptable based on your child’s current math skills!
All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.
Watch the video to see the game being played!
Setting up the game is simple. Just place the empty pizza box on a table with the pizza pieces scattered just like a puzzle! Children can enjoy counting the pizza toppings and matching the slices with the corresponding number inside the pizza box.
Bonus points for the game sparking the imagination! The box and the pizza slices are not only great for one to one correspondence but can also be used for pretend play. Children can use these materials again and again while tapping into their inner pizza delivery person.
Watch the video to see the game being played!
Setting up the game is simple. Just place the empty pizza box on a table with the pizza pieces scattered just like a puzzle! Children can enjoy counting the pizza toppings and matching the slices with the corresponding number inside the pizza box.
Bonus points for the game sparking the imagination! The box and the pizza slices are not only great for one to one correspondence but can also be used for pretend play. Children can use these materials again and again while tapping into their inner pizza delivery person.
Materials
- Pizza Box
- Piece of Cardboard
- Pencil
- Pizza Box
- Piece of Cardboard
- Pencil
- Craft Knife
- Tempera Paint Sticks
Step-by-Step Instructions
For the Cardboard Pizza
(1) Use a pencil to trace a circle on some old cardboard. The outline of a bowl works well to trace!
(2) Use a scissor or sharp craft knife to cut out the circle.
(3) Use a pencil to mark the slices. Choose whatever numbers suit your child’s stage of number learning.
(4) Give the pizza a pop of color, using yellow for cheese, then a thin layer of red for sauce, and whatever toppings of your choice!
(5) Cut out the slices.
For the Pizza Box
(1) In a pizza box use a pencil to trace the circle and then the slices before outlining in black.
(2) Add a number for each slice, and the game is ready to go!
For the Cardboard Pizza
(1) Use a pencil to trace a circle on some old cardboard. The outline of a bowl works well to trace!
(2) Use a scissor or sharp craft knife to cut out the circle.
(3) Use a pencil to mark the slices. Choose whatever numbers suit your child’s stage of number learning.
(4) Give the pizza a pop of color, using yellow for cheese, then a thin layer of red for sauce, and whatever toppings of your choice!
(5) Cut out the slices.
For the Pizza Box
(1) In a pizza box use a pencil to trace the circle and then the slices before outlining in black.
(2) Add a number for each slice, and the game is ready to go!
Ways to adapt this number recognition game for your child!
This number recognition game is super adaptable.
On the one hand, add as many or as few toppings to the pizza based on a child’s math skill level. For example, you could make this while skipping 2s, or go into the double digits!
Additionally, you can also switch up the toppings! Not a pepperoni fan? No problem! Use a child’s favorite toppings — mushrooms, peppers, pineapple, you name it!
Where to find a clean pizza box?
Pizza box too greasy to reuse? Here are some ways you can get a pizza box for this activity
(1) Ask for an extra box next time you are taking out or delivering in!
(2) Make a mini pizza box out of cardstock!
(3) Or if you need boxes for an entire class, buy them in bulk!
Where to find a clean pizza box?
Pizza box too greasy to reuse? Here are some ways you can get a pizza box for this activity
(1) Ask for an extra box next time you are taking out or delivering in!
(2) Make a mini pizza box out of cardstock!
(3) Or if you need boxes for an entire class, buy them in bulk!
Free Printable Pizza Counting Activity!
To make things easier for you, I created printable versions of this pizza number recognition game!
We created 2 versions, counting from 1 to 8, as well as, counting from 9 to 16.
All you have to do is print the free printables, cut out the pizza slices, count the toppings, and match the slice to the corresponding number on the plate!
These and many more free printables in our printable section!
Need some ideas for store-bought number learning resources?
Here are my top picks for number recognition games and toys you can buy!
If you don’t love pizza, chances are you can’t pass up a cookie! This is a fun way to learn numbers while counting chocolate chips!
And if I didn’t get you at pizza and cookies, then this popsicle number game will surely catch your attention! Such a fun way to count!
This beautiful hand-crafted number board is a great tactile way to learn counting and number recognition from one to ten.
A great early writing tool for when your kiddo is not only learning their numbers, but beginning to write them too!
What’s Next?
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