Counting Bear Number Strips and Color Matching Activity

These counting bears number strips are a hands-on way for toddlers and preschoolers to learn numbers, counting and even colors. It is a great extension for the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

These counting bear number strips make learning numbers and colors hands-on and engaging! They are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers and would be a great addition to a math center!

Both of my kids enjoy playing with our bear counters so I like to use them in a wide variety of activities. From measuring with them, to sorting them by color and even using them as game pieces, they are one of our go-to learning manipulatives.

I knew right away that I wanted to use them in a math activity that would go with this month’s Virtual Book Club for Kids book selection, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Counting cards that you can use with counting bears or other math manipulatives.

Because colors are the main concept in the book, I knew I wanted to add a color element into our activity. So I came up with the counting strips that would also allow my children to practice color matching.

Supplies Needed:

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  • The Counting Bear Number Strips (download at bottom of post)
  • Counting Bears (these are the kind we use – so affordable!)
  • Cardstock
  • Scissors
  1. Print the counting bear number strips on cardstock for durability.
  2. Cut out the strips.

Using the Counting Bears Number Strips

I dumped the counting bears on the table and placed the strips next to them. Then I showed my kids what I had set up. As usual, they were very excited to use the counting bears.

Using counting bears to learn counting, numbers and colors!

Learning numbers and counting with a fun bear-themed math activity for preschool!

My 3-year-old daughter (36 month) quickly realized that she should be matching the bears to the correct color circle on the strip. I was quite surprised by this because I figured I would have to explain that part to her.

This counting activity goes perfectly with the book Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?

My 5-year-old son also wanted to join in and actually found it really enjoyable, even though it was very easy for him.

While he was doing it, it occurred to me that I should make a version with numbers 10-20 for him. So I hoping I can find the time to do that soon.

A color learning activity that combines counting and numbers too!

They both went through each and every card on their own and my daughter was even willing to do a few extras.

I can tell that these will be making an appearance quite often this school year!

How do your kids or the kids in your class like to play with counting bears?

Download Printable Button

Check out these other posts inspired by Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Brown Bear Beginning Letter Sounds Game  ::  Inspiration Laboratories

Brown Bear Button Snake Retelling  ::  I Can Teach My Child

Brown Bear Brown Bear Printable Language Arts Activity  ::  Growing Book by Book

Brown Bear Slime  ::  Preschool Powol Packets

Learning to count and recognize colors with counting bears.