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By The Educators Spin On It 14 Comments

Polar Bear Math Game for Kids

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

  1. Cut icebergs out of white felt.
  2. Cut numbers out of the black felt.
  3. Set the icebergs out on level flooring.
  4. 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!


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 featured at the Playful Preschool Team

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 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 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
Counting to 5 with Penguins by Life Over C’s
Polar Bear Activities and Books for Preschool by The Preschool Toolbox Blog

Make this Polar Bear Headband for playtime! Get the Tutorial HERE:

Polar Bear Headband Tutorial for Kids

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
Polar Animal Activities for Preschool

Share these polar animal activities on Facebook with your favorite Preschool teacher or Homeschooling Parent!

Do them with your kids and HAVE FUN!

Like this idea? Pin for later or share now with a friend!

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Filed Under: Kids Activities, Math Tagged With: Activities for Preschoolers, Amanda, Playful Preschool, Polar Animals, Preschool, Winter

« Top Activities from the After School Team in 2014
Polar Bear Costume Headband for Kids »

Comments

  1. Natasha Johnson says

    January 7, 2015 at 7:14 am

    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.

    Reply
  2. Growing Book by Book says

    January 7, 2015 at 7:27 am

    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!

    Reply
  3. Devany LeDrew says

    January 7, 2015 at 8:08 am

    A great kinesthetic way to learn numbers!

    Reply
  4. Cerys Parker says

    January 7, 2015 at 9:00 am

    What a fun activity – will be getting cutting and sewing later (going to use it for number bonds with my older one as well)

    Reply
  5. Theresa A says

    January 7, 2015 at 10:06 am

    That is a great activity! I may cheat and make these with paper and a sharpie so we can try this out today : 0 ).

    Reply
  6. Danielle Buckley says

    January 7, 2015 at 10:26 am

    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!

    Reply
  7. Amanda Boyarshinov says

    January 7, 2015 at 10:37 am

    Paper towels on carpet works too and is a little less slippery.

    Reply
  8. Amanda Boyarshinov says

    January 7, 2015 at 10:38 am

    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.

    Reply
  9. Amanda Boyarshinov says

    January 7, 2015 at 10:39 am

    I thought the same! It is so important to get our little ones moving and grooving throughout the day!

    Reply
  10. Amanda Boyarshinov says

    January 7, 2015 at 10:39 am

    So true – indoor movement and learning!

    Reply
  11. Amanda Boyarshinov says

    January 7, 2015 at 10:40 am

    Thanks Devany – We may have to add a few pillows into the mix today =)

    Reply
  12. Amanda Boyarshinov says

    January 7, 2015 at 10:40 am

    I LOVE felt and keep a few colors on hand for many things! You could do an iceberg walk too =) and skip the jumping!

    Reply
  13. Kim Staten says

    January 8, 2015 at 7:53 am

    What a great way to learn and use up some energy too!

    Reply

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Kim Vij

Early childhood teacher, author, speaker and mom of 3. Kim Vij shares ways to make learning fun and parenting an adventure by sharing developmentally appropriate activities.
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