Counting and learning numbers can be easy and fun for preschoolers! This Polar Bear Math Game adds a little gross motor movement in for Kinesthetic learners and to help keep kids active and moving throughout the day.
This math game can be played in small groups at school or in a home environment.
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Polar Bear Math Game
Set Up time – 5 minutes
Materials Needed for the Polar Bear Math Game
You could use materials other than felt, but make sure to use something that is textured and will not slip when kids jump. We have found that paper does not work as the children can slip and fall.
- White and black felt pieces
- Scissors
Directions to Make the Polar Bear Math Game
- Cut icebergs out of white felt.
- Cut numbers out of the black felt.
- Set the icebergs out on level flooring.
- Set the numbers on top of the icebergs, with the numbers in order.
Playing the Polar Bear Math Game
Explain to the children that Polar Bears live where it is cold. They will get to pretend to be polar bears – leaping from iceberg to iceberg. The only thing they need to remember is to jump in numerical order or from 1-10.
Alternative Ways to Play this Polar Bear Math Game
- Encourage them to leap backward from 10-1
- Let them line the icebergs up in numerical order.
- Play Iceberg Hop-scotch by throwing a stuffed polar bear to the number and hopping to it.
Make these Polar Bear Biscuits for a little more Polar bear fun! Get the Recipe…
Polar Bear Books for Preschoolers:
Connect this math game with a good polar bear book to extend learning. Although there are many to choose from, here are our 3 favorites. When building a collection of books, I try to include at least one non-fiction text and a variety of styles.
Consider purchasing or checking these books out from your local library! Here are a few more of our favorite polar bear books for preschool.
The Three Snow Bears
Jan Brett is a favorite author of mine. My children adore listening to her stories and have commented that they are picture books for big kids. The illustrations are amazing in this Arctic version of Goldilocks. Peek at the beautiful images here
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? (Brown Bear and Friends) Is a great picture book for young readers. The repetitive text is highly predictable and preschoolers will soon be helping to read the story. Read more reviews here.
National Geographic Readers: Polar Bears is a scientific text designed for children beginning to read. It is informative for children, but not overwhelming. Another bonus is that the photographs are amazing! Check out other books in this learn-to-read series.
Polar Animal Activities for Preschool
Polar Animal Literacy Activities:
Walrus Dive for Letters from Capri + 3
Polar Bear Paw Walk Preschool Alphabet Game by Growing Book by Book
Move and Learn Alphabet Activity: Penguin Plunge by Mom Inspired Life
Polar Bear Books for Kids
Polar Animal Science and Sensory Activities:
How do Animals Stay Warm by Rainy Day Mum
Penguin Sorting Sensory Bin by Powerful Mothering
Arctic World by Learning 2 Walk
Seek-and-Find Game for a Winter Animals Preschool Theme by Fun-A-Day
Polar Bear Virtual Field Trip
Polar Animal Movement Activities
Polar Animals Gross Motor Games by Still Playing School
Polar Animal Math Games and Activities:
Polar Bear Math Game by The Educators’ Spin On It
Polar Bear Activities and Books for Preschool by The Preschool Toolbox Blog
Make this Polar Bear Headband for playtime! Get the Tutorial HERE:
For MORE Preschool Activities Here at the Educators’ Spin On It, we recommend:
- Preschool Penguin Unit
- 101+ Penguin Activity Resource
- Penguin Cooking, Learning, and Crafts
- Penguin Math Counters
Share these polar animal activities on Facebook with your favorite Preschool teacher or Homeschooling Parent! Do them with your kids and HAVE FUN!
What a great way to learn and use up some energy too!
I LOVE felt and keep a few colors on hand for many things! You could do an iceberg walk too =) and skip the jumping!
Thanks Devany – We may have to add a few pillows into the mix today =)
So true – indoor movement and learning!
I thought the same! It is so important to get our little ones moving and grooving throughout the day!
My 5 year old cut the icebergs out while I was working on another sewing project – it is a great way to let them be involved without worrying how the finished product will look like.
Paper towels on carpet works too and is a little less slippery.
This is a great idea! I don't have felt, but will definitely try it with paper taped to the floor. I know my son would really enjoy it!
That is a great activity! I may cheat and make these with paper and a sharpie so we can try this out today : 0 ).
What a fun activity – will be getting cutting and sewing later (going to use it for number bonds with my older one as well)
A great kinesthetic way to learn numbers!
This will be a perfect compliment for our paw walk activity. I also love the idea of jumping from 10 to 1. Sounds like a great idea for a frigid morning here!
What a fun game, and it's perfect for right now when the winter blues starts to kick in. This gets them to moving and have fun.