Last Updated on March 3, 2024 by Sheryl Cooper
Inside: Put together a fun St. Patrick’s Day counting activity with these free printable props! Perfect for circle time, but can also be used as a table activity.
It’s so easy to add math to your St. Patrick’s Day themed circle time activities with this shamrock counting printable prop!
Print all ten numbered shamrocks, or start with just a few and add more as desired.
This St. Patrick’s Day counting activity is not only fun for circle time, but can also be used as an independent counting and number recognition idea.
Scroll towards the bottom of this page to find the link to the free download!
Printable St. Patrick’s Day Counting Activity for Circle Time
You all know by now how I love using props during circle time.
When I started planning our St. Patrick’s Day theme, I created a shamrock printable that could be used as stick props.
(If you haven’t grabbed your free printable yet, go here: Shamrock Stick Props.)
I then decided to also create a numbered set of shamrocks that can be used for a circle time counting activity.
Assembling the St. Patrick’s Day Counting Activity
What you will need:
- Popsicle sticks or Jumbo Craft Sticks
- Laminator
- Scotch tape
- Printable numbered shamrock prop (scroll down to find the link)
I suggest either printing these on heavy paper or laminating them for extra durability.
You can use all ten shamrocks or less, depending on the age and skill level of your children.
Circle Time Counting Activity
First, you want to decide how you will display your numbered shamrocks.
I decided to use a small cookie sheet that I spray painted white.
Magnetic circles were attached to the backs of each shamrock and attached to the cookie sheet.
The cookie sheet sits nicely in a book stand when not in your hands, too.
You can also attach these to a flannel board using velcro tabs. (You can find my favorite flannel board brand here.)
Another option is to attach each numbered shamrock to a popsicle stick so you can hold them while counting.
After displaying your shamrocks, invite your students to help you count each one.
For older children, point to a random number and ask if they can identify it.
Independent Shamrock Counting Activity
In addition to using these numbered shamrocks at circle time, you can also add them to your free choice centers time as a table activity.
Simply make two sets of the numbered shamrocks.
Cut one set apart and leave the other whole.
Place the separated shamrocks to the side and invite your children to place beside or on top of the matching number.
Another idea is to make one set of the numbered shamrocks and provide small pieces such as pom poms.
As your children identify the number, they will place that many pieces on top.
More St. Patrick’s Day/Rainbow Ideas
Art: Spin Art Rainbows
Colors: Shamrock Color Recognition Printable Activity
Sensory: Rainbow Sensory Bin
Fine Motor: Paper Plate Rainbow Suncatchers
Math: Shamrock Counting Cards
Shapes: Shamrock Shapes Printable Puzzle Cards
Looking for song ideas?
Check out my St. Patrick’s Day/rainbow playlist:
Classroom Set Ups
Rainbows
St. Patrick’s Day
More Circle Time Resources
Preschool Circle Time Activities
When Circle Time Doesn’t Go As Planned (Video)
My Secrets to a Successful Circle Time (Video)
St. Patrick’s Day (and Rainbows) Learning Activities
8 St. Patrick’s Day themed activities that work a variety of skills!
