Space is something that often fascinates kids (it fascinates me too!) and I definitely have some kids who love all things outer space! I love when I can take something my kids are interested in and give them fun learning activities that relate, like these fun counting on planet puzzles. We are getting some excellent practice in counting on for numbers to 50, while learning the names of the planets too!
These puzzles take just a bit of prep, and then if you laminate them, you can use them multiple times!
Just print (below), laminate, and cut apart on the gray lines to create vertical puzzle strips.
We use them in math centers, and I put each puzzle in its own zip top plastic bag. (The slider ones are great and quick for cleanup!) This helps the pieces to stay together and encourages kids to complete one puzzle at a time.
Each puzzle has 10 pieces. To start, we spread them out on the table and started putting numbers in order. We didn’t try to find the smallest, though you could begin that way. Counting on from a given number can be tricky, so do what works best for your kids and adjust as needed.
We started with one number and thought about what would come before or after. For example, we grabbed 43 and then decided to see if there was a 44, and so on. Once pieces started being placed together, the process of elimination helped us complete the puzzle!
We made Earth! The name is included at the top of each puzzle, that way kids know which planet they made.
Grab your Counting On Puzzles
Ready to count on and learn planet names at the same time? Grab your free set of the counting on puzzles HERE. Then, for more fun with numbers, check out our super fun roll and color math games!
More Super Fun Space Activities
Looking for more kid friendly outer space activities? Look no further! These awesome kid bloggers have 17 amazing ideas for you to try out with your kids or students!
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
Outer Space Bingo // Playdough to Plato
Rocket Name Puzzle// Teach Me Mommy
Space Theme Sensory Bin // Pre-K Pages
Space Counting Mats: Addition and Subtraction // Liz’s Early Learning Spot
Solar System Scavenger Hunt // Mom Inspired Life
Space Themed Matching Cards // Powerful Mothering
Outer Space Pattern Block Mats // The STEM Laboratory
Google Drive Space Facts Activity // DIY Farm Wife
Stars in Space Sticky Wall // Modern Preschool
Space Theme Grid Games // Stay at Home Educator
Counting On Planet Puzzles // The Kindergarten Connection
Aliens in Underpants Save the World // Adventures of Adam
Play Dough Constellations // Play & Learn Everyday
Solar System Bracelet // Still Playing School
Space Sensory Bin // Sugar Spice and Glitter
Space Syllables // Fairy Poppins
Alex
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Sofia says
February 6, 2019 at 6:34 amAm I allowed to translate the names of the planets to Swedish to fit the needs of my students?
Mandy says
February 7, 2019 at 9:13 amHi Sofia! What a great idea, you may translate them for you students. Enjoy!