Chinese Lunar New Year Counting Activities for Numbers to 20
These Chinese Lunar New Year math activities help kids develop number recognition and counting skills, and they focus on numbers to 10 and 20. They are perfect for Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten, or homeschoolers who are looking for engaging ways to practice counting. Moreover, these activities are suitable for math centers, small group work, math tubs, or fine motor table tasks. Keep reading to discover how to bring the festive spirit of the Lunar New Year into your math lessons!
What Is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year—often called Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival—marks the beginning of a new year in many Asian cultures. Families celebrate with special meals, decorations, and traditions that welcome prosperity and good fortune. By including these cultural elements in your classroom or homeschool, you can spark curiosity while developing essential math skills.
Chinese New Year Math Activities
To help children solidify their understanding of numbers to 10 and numbers to 20, I’ve created a set of fun and interactive counting activities. From counting mats to ten frames worksheets, each activity reinforces number recognition and helps kids build confidence in their counting abilities. Best of all, they also hone fine motor skills in a playful setting.
1. Lunar New Year Counting Mats (Numbers to 10 and 20)
Preparation
- Print and laminate the number mats for extra durability, or place them in dry erase pocket sleeves.
- Gather some counters. If you can find Chinese fortune coins, those are perfect! Otherwise, yellow cubes or regular counters work just as well.
- Cut out the number cards (1–20).
How to Play
- Choose a number card and place it on the counting mat.
- Count the matching number of coins or counters onto the ten frame. Remember to count one by one, saying each number aloud as you place it.
- Re-count the coins to check you have the right amount. This step reinforces the principles of counting—including one-to-one correspondence and cardinality.
Numbers to 10 – Counting Mats
<<Get these free printable number mats here.>>
Numbers to 20 – Counting Mats
<<Get these printable counting activities here.>>
2. Ten Frames Worksheets (Numbers to 10 and 20)
Preparation
- Print out the ten frames worksheets for numbers to 10 or numbers to 20, depending on each student’s level.
- Fill a small container with paint. A plastic shot glass works well.
- Grab a Q-tip for dot painting.
How to Play
- Read the number on the worksheet.
- Dip the Q-tip in paint.
- Dot the correct number of dots on the ten frame.
This simple, visual counting activity helps children see the quantity they are building, making it easier to understand the relationship between numbers and sets.
Ten Frame Number Worksheets to 10
<<Grab these free ten frames worksheets for numbers to 10 here.>>
Ten Frame Number Worksheets to 20
<<Get these free ten frames worksheets for numbers to 20 here.>>
3. Fine Motor Counting Activity
Preparation
- Attach each of the number cards to a chenille stick and secure them with tape on the back.
- Gather gold fortune coins if you have them, or use beads in a pinch.
How to Play
- Pick a number and count that many coins or beads onto the chenille stick.
- Once you’re done, choose another number and repeat!
Because this fine motor exercise involves small parts, make sure it is conducted under adult supervision.
<<Find these free Chinese New Year number cards here.>>
Conclusion
These Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year math activities are an excellent way to combine cultural awareness with numbers to 10 and numbers to 20 practice. From counting mats to ten frames worksheets and even a simple fine motor challenge, each task reinforces number recognition while celebrating a vibrant holiday. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or homeschooling, these activities bring fun, learning, and a touch of the Spring Festival spirit to your math centers and small group work. Happy counting and 新年快乐 (Happy New Year)!
More Lunar New Year Activities for Kids
Be sure to check out these other activities too.
Lunar New Year Dramatic Play
This Lunar New Year pretend play area is such a fun way to transform your classroom and learn about Chinese New Year traditions through play. You can learn more about how to set up this area here.
Chinese New Year Crafts
These craft activities include a lantern craft, dragon puppet, mask, printable red envelope craft, and more. Find out more here.