Jack and the Beanstalk Counting Math Game for Kids

This post may contain affiliate links.

Looking for a fun way to teach math using fairy tales? This Jack and the Beanstalk counting math game is a hands-on activity that helps preschoolers practice counting, number recognition, and simple addition in a playful way.

It’s the perfect companion to the classic story of Jack and the Beanstalk and works great for a fairy tale unit, preschool math lesson, or homeschool activity.

Jack and the Beanstalk Math Game

This fun counting game lets kids grow their very own beanstalk as they play!

As children move along the game board, they collect links to build the tallest beanstalk. This adds a visual and interactive element that keeps kids engaged while learning.

What skills does this math game teach?

This Jack and the Beanstalk activity helps kids practice:

• counting
• number recognition
• simple addition and subtraction
• comparing quantities
• fine motor skills

It’s especially great for preschoolers and early elementary learners.

How to Play the Jack and the Beanstalk Game

Set up the game by printing all of the included pieces:

• game board
• character pieces
• number cards
• “grow your beanstalk” cards

Game Setup

Punch a hole in the beanstalk card so kids can attach chain links (or paperclips).

Shuffle the number cards and place them face down.

This game matches the Jack and the Beanstalk Alphabet activity as well as the Fairy Tale Mini Books if you want to make a whole unit on this!

Game Instructions

1. Players take turns drawing a number card
2. Move forward that number of spaces
3. Land on a space and collect that number of links
4. If the number has a minus sign, remove that many links
5. Continue until all players reach the castle

The number they land on is the number of chain links they collect. Sometimes the numbers have a minus sign in front of them meaning you take that number away from your chain.

How to Win

At the end of the game, count the links on each beanstalk. The player with the tallest beanstalk wins!

Extend the Learning

Turn this into an even richer math activity:

• Have kids count their links by 2s or 5s
• Compare whose beanstalk is taller or shorter
• Ask kids to predict who will win before counting

This adds a brain teaser element and deeper math thinking.

Connect to the Story of Jack and the Beanstalk

This activity ties directly into the classic fairy tale, making it a fun way to combine literacy and math.

After reading the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, kids can:

• act out parts of the story
• build their own beanstalk
• connect the game to Jack climbing higher and higher

Looking for a fun way to teach math using fairy tales? This Jack and the Beanstalk counting math game is a hands-on activity that helps preschoolers practice counting, number recognition, and simple addition in a playful way.

It’s the perfect companion to the classic story of Jack and the Beanstalk and works great for a fairy tale unit, preschool math lesson, or homeschool activity.

Perfect for Preschoolers

This game is designed especially for preschoolers, but can easily be adapted for older kids by adding more challenging math elements.

Want to try this activity with your kids?

Download the printable Jack and the Beanstalk counting game from my shop.

Explore More Math Games for Kids:

• Roll a Rainbow Preschool Math Game
• Make Ten~ Addition Math Game
• Homemade Pick-Up Sticks Math Game
• Leap Frog Math Game
• Roll a Beetle Dice Math Game
• Garden Ten Frame Math