One More One Less Number Sense Ladybug Math

Teaching early math involves much more than just counting and number recognition. Helping kids gain number sense skills is key in the early years. One aspect of that is learning to compare numbers and gain an understanding of one more and one less. In this free printable one more one less number sense ladybug activity, kids get the chance to practice this skill in a hands-on way with manipulatives and a printable recording sheet.

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Be sure to read all the way to the end of the post for more bug-inspired learning and play from the Kids’ Activities Blog Hop.

$Free Printable One More One Less Ladybug Math and Fine Motor Activity #freeprintable #kindergarten$

FIND EVEN MORE LADYBUG ACTIVITY IDEAS IN OUR PRINTABLE LADYBUG THEME LESSON PLANS.

Materials

Free printable ladybug number cube (or a regular die) and activity mat (free printable link after activity description)
Your choice of ladybug manipulatives-Use pom poms, pony beads, or ladybug mini toys of choice
Optional: Fine motor tool like jumbo tweezers
Optional: Recording sheet (included in free printable)

Time to Play One More One Less

This activity can be done in small group, individually or as a learning center option. I recommend first introducing it in small group.

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I always like to add in extra fine motor practice when I can, so I set out jumbo tweezers with this activity. Some kids will use the tweezers, and others will use their fingers. However, if you’re using small enough manipulatives they’ll also be practicing that pincer grasp along the way as shown in the picture below.

To play, kids roll the number cube and add the correct number of manipulatives to the middle column labeled, “My Number.”

Then show the amounts for “one less” and “one more” in the appropriate columns.

Red and black pony beads also make great “ladybugs” as shown below.

$Ladybug Number Sense Math Freebie for Preschool and Kindergarten$

For added practice you can also have kids complete the recording sheet. Use it once by having kids write directly on the paper, or laminate a few copies and set it out with the activity in the math center for kids to use again and again.

If desired, you can also have kids bring their completed pages back to whole group to share and discuss during math talks after math centers are over. This is a great way to check for understanding.

Here’s a quick glance at what is included in your free printable.

Click Here to Get Your Free Ladybug One More One Less Activity

More Free Math Printables

Need More One More One Less Practice?

Get 15 One More One Less Sets to practice all year long. This gives preschoolers and kindergarteners the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of this important number sense skill.

Take a peek at some of the math game mats included in this set.

MORE LADYBUG THEME FUN WITH PRINTABLE LESSON PLANS

Save time and get right to the playful learning with our printable lesson plan sets. Each set includes over 30 playful learning activities related to the theme, and we’ve provided different versions for home preschool families and classroom teachers so all activities are geared directly toward your needs.