Jack and the Beanstalk Golden Egg Counting and Number Games
We love classic tales and one of our favourites is Jack and the Beanstalk. It’s ideal for using to build book based activities around and is ideal for use with multiple ages. Today we have a fun math game inspired by the golden eggs that the hen lays in the story to work on some, number activities with your toddlers and preschoolers. So here we go our Jack and the Bean Stalk Golden Egg Counting and Number Games for Toddlers and Preschoolers.
Jack and the Beanstalk
We have included links to the book and resources we used to create this activity for toddlers and preschoolers if you purchase via the link we may earn a small commission.
We are using a Ladybird First Favourite Jack and the Beanstalk Book in our activities. It stays fairly true to the story and also includes some fun illustrations. I love these little books as they are a step from the toddler books but not up to the learning to read and are great for reading out loud with your toddlers and preschoolers. Plus as they learn to read you can still use them because they haven’t simplified the story too much.
Jack and Beanstalk Golden Egg Maths Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
In this activity with Toddlers and Preschoolers, we are working on
- Counting numbers 1 – 10
- Counting on and counting back
- Using a ten-frame
- Using a number line
Materials needed for your Jack and the Beanstalk Counting Activity
An egg carton with 10 cups
Nest (we found this contained the eggs better)
Our Printable Beanstalk Number Line -> Click Here to download!
Setting up you Jack and the Beanstalk Number Game for Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Set out on a table at your toddler and preschoolers height (or even the floor if you will find it easier).
- You will need to stop the eggs rolling around this is why we placed them in a nest. This makes it easier for your tots to take out the eggs and place them into the ten frame for counting.
- Then label up your number line – we have left it blank so that you can use it for other activities and count on or back from any number.
Using the Golden Egg Ten Frame with Toddlers
Before you start read Jack and the Beanstalk with your tot. It doesn’t matter if it’s not the same version that we have been using but make sure it includes the hen laying the golden eggs for this activity.
Then introduce counting the golden eggs. If it’s the first time your child has used or seen the equipment it’s a good idea to skip most of the learning and instead focus on learning how to use the activity.
So show how to hold the tongs – we recommend the learning resources tongs they come with some of the games or in a pack and they are nicely shaped for toddlers and preschoolers to use.
Then count the eggs into the holes in the DIY Ten Frame. As you help your tot move them across and say the numbers out loud.
Start with counting out 1 and move up. Then let your toddler do it themselves.
We are doing this to move on from counting by rote (knowing the words but not what they mean) to attaching meaning to them. So “one” is 1 egg, “four” is 4 eggs.
Depending on your toddler or preschoolers ability you could introduce some number cards we’ve included a set with our Beanstalk Number Line and start to get your child to get the hang of associating those words, counting out with a written symbol.
Jack and the Beanstalk Math Activity for Preschoolers
If your preschooler is able to count out it’s time to introduce some other ideas.
You can now introduce the beanstalk number line.
Number lines are a really useful math tool that your child will use for a few years. We’ve designed this one for you so you can move along the leaves of the beanstalk like we do with our count and climb Jack but without creating it yourself.
Count out your golden eggs – find it on the number line… then add one more.
Count the golden eggs how many do you have! Check it on the number line.
Jack and the Beanstalk Activities for Preschoolers and Toddlers
We have more activities inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk here on Rainy Day Mum
Count and Climb Jack. Part math part craft and part fine motor activity that lets your toddler and preschooler pretend to be Jack and climb and count the beanstalk as you make it together.
Why not grow your own beanstalk? This is a great way to introduce some simple plant science with your toddlers and preschoolers they will love seeing the bean open up and then the shoots grow up.
