Add these shark calendar numbers to your collection of classroom calendar numbers today. You can use them to teach and practice so many early math skills with young children.
The shark numbers are perfect as part of your summer activities for preschoolers and kindergarten kids. Or you can integrate them into your next ocean or beach unit. Of course, I think they’re perfect any time of the year, too.
In addition to being multi-use, the shark number cards are also super easy to prep. So you can have them ready for your students to use tomorrow!
Related: Free Preschool Printables
You can get a copy of the shark free printable at the bottom of this post. Be sure to request the download link there once you’ve read through my tips and suggestions.
Shark Calendar Numbers
I enjoy making themed number cards, in case you haven’t noticed! There are seriously so many ways you can use them with kids. And the thematic images keep the kids interested and entertained along the way.
I thought I’d make a set of shark calendar numbers since summer is fast approaching. That, and one of my nephews loves all things sharks, so I need to make sure he gets a set, too!
How to Prep the Numbered Sharks
Start off by gathering the materials you’ll need. Here’s what I generally use to prep calendar numbers (I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post):
If you plan to use anything alongside the shark calendar numbers, grab those items, too. Some ideas:
- Pompoms
- Buttons
- Mini erasers
- Magnetic numbers
- Dry erase markers
Of course, you can use so many different items as manipulatives with the shark numbers. I’d suggest checking what you have in your teacher stash first. Once you have everything you need, it’s time to prep! As I mentioned earlier, there’s not much to it:
- First, grab the free printable at the bottom of this post.
- Save the file to your computer and open it in the most up-to-date version of Adobe Reader.
- Then print out the shark calendar numbers. The cards are 3-inch squares, so adjust your printer settings if you need a different size.
- Make as many copies as you need.
- Finally, cut the cards apart and laminate them.
Now you’re ready to use the numbered sharks with your students!
How to Use the Shark Calendar Numbers
There are so many ways to use the shark number cards! Here are some of our favorite ways to use number cards:
- Use the shark calendar numbers for their named purpose – as part of your classroom calendar. They work well with both linear and traditional calendars.
- Pair the shark numbers with another set, like my summer calendar numbers, to practice patterns.
- Challenge the kids to put the numbers in order from 0 to 35. Once they’ve mastered that, see if they can do so in reverse.
- Assemble an ocean-themed sensory writing tray. Have your students practice numeral formation, using the shark calendar numbers as visual cues.
- Play a simple matching game, like Memory, with two sets of the numbers. You can use two shark number sets or mix in a different set of numbers.
- Have your students practice one-to-one correspondence by placing the appropriate number of manipulatives next to some of the number cards. For those children who really need a challenge, see if they can do so for every number.
- Incorporate the shark numbers into your beginning addition and subtraction lessons. Don’t forget math manipulatives or loose parts, too.
Now that I’ve shared some of my favorite ways to use the shark calendar numbers, I’m interested to hear how you would use them! And don’t forget to request the download link to the printable at the bottom of this post.
What are Kids Learning with the Number Cards?
You can use the shark number cards to work on so many early math skills with your students! Here’s a list of some of the concepts the numbered sharks can be used to explore:
- Number identification
- Patterns
- Number formation
- One-to-one correspondence
- Numerical order
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Graphing
- Data analysis
- Skip counting
And that’s likely not an exhaustive list! I love how multipurpose the shark calendar numbers are!
More Shark Activities for Kids
If your students are into all things sharks, I’ve got a few more ideas to try:
- Shark Sensory Bottle
- Feed the Shark Math Game
- Shark Name Game
- Giant Shark Suncatcher Craft
- Shark Sight Words
- Printable Shark Math Game
You can find even more shark activities for kids gathered on Fun-A-Day if you’re looking for more.
Ocean Lesson Plans
Our ocean lesson plans would be a hit alongside the shark calendar numbers! Click on the image below to get your own set from the Preschool Teacher 101 shop. It comes with a weekly overview, detailed daily plans, book suggestions, editable lesson plans, whole group activities, small group lessons, center ideas, and related printables.
If you’re a fan of our done-for-you resources, consider joining The Pack, our membership for preschool and kindergarten teachers. Members get a big discount on all of our materials.
Free Printable Shark Calendar Numbers
If you’re already a part of the Fun-A-Day email community, enter your email in the form below to have the download link sent to your inbox. If you’re not a part of the email community, you can join us by entering your information in the form below. You’ll receive the shark number cards as a welcome gift.
I can’t wait to hear how you use the shark calendar numbers with your students!
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