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Summer break is here and we are making the most of our lazy days! I have noticed that throughout the week, pulling out an organized activity can sometimes get through the day without me having to hear, “I’m bored.” Prepping busy bags for kids to play with independently (and that can be used in the classroom too!) is a great idea for the summer months to not only avoid boredom, but it also helps keep them from losing skills they’ve worked on all year! These printable Watermelon Seed Addition Cards are a simple way to practice counting and beginning addition skills for preschoolers and kindergarteners, and early 1st graders too!

Watermelon Seed Addition Cards

The printable set includes 16 different addition facts to 10. Each watermelon slice has different amounts of seeds on it to show what the numbers are in the addition problem.

To prepare this math activity, simple print the file from the link below. Cut apart the cards on the gray dotted lines. Laminating the cards allows you to use them with dry erase markers. Covering the fronts of the cards with contact paper also allows the activity to be reusable.

Now that the cards are set, it’s time to start counting those watermelon seeds!

To introduce your child or a small group of kids in your class to these addition cards, show how you would complete the card yourself. I would cover the watermelon slice on the right side of the card with one hand and point and count each seed on the other watermelon with my other hand.

On the card in the photo above, the watermelon on the right has 5 seeds. Count them out loud while you count, “1, 2, 3, 4, 5.” Talk through how you will now write the number 5 in the first box of the addition sentence.

You can cover the first watermelon slice if you think it would help your child, and then count the seeds on the other watermelon slice. Above the second watermelon slice has 3 seeds. Show your child how you would write the number 3 in the second box.

Now what if your child cannot add 5+3 yet? Don’t worry! If your child has not worked with addition facts before, simply show your child how to count the total number of watermelon seeds on both slices. Or if you think your child will understand this strategy, have your child start with 5 and count on. So you would say, “5” and then “6, 7, 8” while pointing to the other 3 watermelon seeds on the second slice.

When the cards are complete, erase the dry erase markers with an old sock or a baby wipe. (Here is a tip for using socks and dry erase markers!)

The great thing about printable activities like the Watermelon Seed Addition Cards is that they can be used in different ways depending on the current learning level of your child. And in this case, the activity can be used even if your child isn’t adding numbers yet!

No laminator? No problem! This activity can also be completed with number magnets. Just place the card on a cookie sheet (grab one from the dollar store!) and the magnets will stick to the cards.