Kite Counting Activity for Preschool Math

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Looking for a fun way to practice counting with your preschooler? This kite counting activity lets kids add colorful beads to kite tails while learning to recognize numbers and count objects.

It’s such a simple idea, but threading the beads onto the kite strings makes counting a little more exciting than filling out a worksheet!

This hands-on preschool math activity is perfect for spring, a weather unit, or even a Letter K preschool theme.

And you can grab the free printable kite numbers below!

Supplies for the Kite Counting Activity

You only need a few materials to put this together:

• Printable Kite Number Cards – Available below!

• Pipe cleaners

• Pony beads

• Hole punch

• Scissors

• Cardstock

• Laminator (optional)

The printable includes both color and black-and-white kite cards, so you can choose whichever works best for you.

How to Make the Kite Counting Game

This activity only takes a few minutes to prepare.

1. Print the kite cards. Print the free kite numbers on cardstock and cut out each kite.

2. Punch the holes. Use a hole punch to make a hole where the small white circle is printed on each kite.

3. Add the kite tails. Cut the pipe cleaners in half. Thread one end through the hole in each kite and twist it to secure it.

4. Set out the beads. Place a small bowl of colorful pony beads beside the kites.

That’s it! Your kite counting activity is ready.

If you want to reuse the cards, laminate them before attaching the pipe cleaners.

How to Play the Kite Counting Game

Have your child choose a kite and look at the number printed on it. Then ask them to thread that many beads onto the pipe cleaner tail. For example, if the kite has the number 5, they’ll add five beads to the string.

Encourage your child to count aloud as each bead goes onto the pipe cleaner. When they’re finished, count the beads together to check their work. Then choose another kite!

What Kids Learn from Kite Counting

This little activity gives preschoolers practice with several important early math skills.

• Number recognition: Children identify the numeral printed on each kite.
• One-to-one correspondence: They add one bead for each number they count.
• Counting and quantity: They connect the written number with an actual group of objects.
• Fine motor skills: Picking up and threading the beads gives little fingers some extra practice.

For children who are just learning to count, start with the smallest numbers and work together. If your child is ready for more, ask them to compare two kites. Which kite has more beads? How many more?

You can also ask them to arrange the finished kites in numerical order.

Make It a Spring Math Center

These kite counting cards work well for preschool math centers, homeschool lessons, or independent activities with supervision. You can place the numbered kites in a basket with a container of beads and let children work through the cards.

For a little extra challenge, have kids make bead patterns on their kite tails. Can they alternate two colors? What about making a pattern with three colors? Just be sure they still use the correct number of beads!

Safety note: Pony beads are small parts and can be a choking hazard. This activity is best for children who no longer put small objects in their mouths and should be done with adult supervision. Fold or twist sharp pipe cleaner ends inward. For younger children, try larger, age-appropriate threading materials instead.

Pair It with a Kite Picture Book

I love connecting simple learning activities with books.

Two fun kite-themed stories we’ve enjoyed are:

• Kite Day: A Bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand

• Stuck by Oliver Jeffers

Read a story together, then bring out the kite counting cards for a little hands-on math. It’s an easy way to build a spring preschool lesson around one theme.

Get the Printable Kite Counting Activity

Ready to try this hands-on counting activity with your preschooler?

My Kite Counting Activity printable includes numbered kite cards in both color and black and white. Just print the cards, add pipe cleaner tails, and let kids practice counting with colorful beads!

Get the Kite Counting Activity in My Shop

This is a digital printable download. You’ll need your own pipe cleaners, beads, and a hole punch to complete the activity.

More Preschool Counting Activities

If your kids enjoy this activity, try these other hands-on math ideas:

• Carrot Garden Counting Mats

• Flower Counting Activity

• Garden Ten Frame Math Activity

You can also browse my Preschool Math Activities and Book Activities for Kids for more ideas.

Sometimes all it takes is a few beads and a colorful kite to make counting something kids actually want to practice. 

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