Turn Clipart into Learning: DIY Count and Match Math Game

Looking for a quick, low-prep math center that your early learners will love?

If you just downloaded this month’s free boy and girl clipart set, you have the perfect tool right at your fingertips. Because these cute characters are holding blank signs, they are incredibly easy to turn into an interactive math game and more.

This Count and Match Game helps young students build foundational math skills using physical objects they can touch and move.

Here is how to set it up in your classroom or home in just five minutes!

Why This Activity Works

Young children learn math best when they move from concrete thinking (handling real objects) to abstract thinking (understanding written numbers). This game perfectly bridges that gap. By placing physical items directly onto a written numeral, students strengthen their one-to-one correspondence and counting accuracy.

🛠️ Materials Needed

You only need a few basic supplies for this activity:

• Printed Clipart: Use this month's * free boy or girl images (either the full-color or black-and-white version). (*Subscribe for new free clipart each month. Available for 30 days.)

• A Marker: To write numbers on the signs.

  
  

• Small Manipulatives: Items like plastic math cubes, buttons, pom-poms, mini erasers, or even cereal pieces.

• Colors: For coloring the black and white images.

• Scissors: For cutting out the figures.

🎨 How to Set It Up (Step-by-Step)

1. Print and Prep the Characters

Place your clipart in your word processor (Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, etc.). Enlarge it to fill an 8.5 x 11-inch page. If you are using the black-and-white versions, you can let your students color them in first and cut them out for an extra layer of engagement!

Print out several copies of the pages.

Tip: If you want to reuse this game over and over, laminate the pages or slip them into clear plastic dry-erase pockets.

2. Write Target Numbers

Use a marker to write a target number inside the blank sign on each character. For preschoolers, stick to numbers 1–5. For kindergarteners, you can expand to 1–10 or 1–20 depending on their skill level. (If laminated, use a dry-erase marker so you can change the numbers later!)

3. Count and Match!

Give your student a bowl of small manipulatives. Instruct them to look at the number on the character's sign, count out that exact amount of items, and pile or line them up directly on top of the paper sign.

🚀 3 Ways to Change Up the Game

Want to make the activity a bit more challenging or adapt it for different learning styles? Try these variations:

• The Dice Roll Challenge: Instead of writing a fixed number on the sign, leave it blank. Have the student roll a foam die, write that number on the sign with a dry-erase marker, and then count out the matching manipulatives.

• The Frame Fill: Draw a simple ten-frame inside the blank sign before printing. Students must fill the correct number of squares with small stickers or dots to match the target number.

• The Color Match: If you are using colored pom-poms or buttons, write the number in a specific colored marker (e.g., a blue "4"). Challenge the student to count out 4 blue items to match.

Ready to Play?

You don't need expensive classroom materials to create meaningful learning moments. Grab your copy of this month's free clipart, grab a handful of buttons, and watch your students master their counting skills!

Did you try this game in your classroom? Tag me on social media or leave a comment below to let me know how your students liked it!

Please let me know if you have any questions. I would be happy to help!

Karen karen@karenskidsstudio.com.