Christmas Math Game – Feed the Reindeer for Preschoolers (Freebie!)

Feed the reindeer game

If you’re looking for a holiday-themed math activity that’s both fun and educational, look no further than this feed the reindeer activity. Just grab the printable reindeer paper bag puppet template, worksheets, and more! Students will be feeding their reindeer Christmas ornaments based on the number on their cards and love every minute of it. Plus, to add an extra layer of learning, students will trace the number they just fed the reindeer on a worksheet. It’s a creative way to combine math practice with holiday magic!

Plus don’t miss free Christmas Word Search Printable, fun Christmas I spy printable set, plus TONS of free Christmas worksheets!

Reindeer game

To get started, gather some basic materials and the printable reindeer template. If you do not want to use a paper bag to attach the reindeer, that is okay, too! Students can just put the ornaments in the open mouth.

Materials:

• Printable reindeer paper bag puppet template
• Number cards (with reindeer holding ornaments)
• Small ornament cutouts
• Number tracing worksheet
• Brown paper bags
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Laminator (if wanted)
• Laminating pouches (optional)

Paper bag puppet reindeer

• Print the Template: Download and print the feed the reindeer worksheets, which includes all the parts needed to assemble the reindeer paper bag puppet.
• Cut: Cut out the number cards and ornaments and feed the reindeer template.
• Assemble the Puppet: Cut the mouth of the reindeer out and attach it to the paper bag. The folded flap of the bag will serve as the reindeer’s mouth, which opens and closes.

Reindeer math

• Prepare the Ornaments and Number Cards: It is best to laminate the ornaments and number cards. This will ensure the cards are kept in good condition so the children can “feed” their reindeer during the math game. You could also use actual small ornaments often found in big box stores or dollar stores.

Christmas math

With their reindeer puppets ready, the real fun begins! The activity focuses on recognizing, counting, and tracing numbers, making it a multi-sensory learning experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Game:

1. Hand Out Number Cards: Give each child a card featuring a reindeer holding a certain number of ornaments. For example, one card may show 4 ornaments, while another might show 7.
2. Feed the Reindeer: The child must count the ornaments on their card and then feed their reindeer puppet the same number of paper ornaments. This helps reinforce number recognition and counting skills.
3. Trace the Number: After feeding the reindeer, the students will trace the number from their cards on a corresponding worksheet. This step helps their understanding of numbers while giving them fine motor practice.

Christmas math activities for preschoolers

Here’s why this feed the reindeer is perfect when it comes to helping students with math:

• Number Recognition: Students match the number of ornaments on their card to the number of ornaments they feed the reindeer, helping them recognize numbers in a playful setting.
• Counting Practice: Students reinforce basic counting skills hands-on as they count the ornaments to feed the reindeer.
• Multi-Sensory Learning: The activity engages multiple senses—students see the number, count the ornaments, move them, and trace the number. This makes learning more accessible for different learning styles.
• Fine Motor Skill Development: Feeding small ornaments and tracing numbers helps improve students’ fine motor coordination, which is crucial for writing.
• Engagement and Motivation: The fun of feeding the reindeer keeps students excited and focused on the task, ensuring they stay engaged in their learning.
• Tracing for Number Formation: After feeding the reindeer, students trace the number, reinforcing their understanding and helping them practice number formation.
• Adaptability: This activity can be adjusted to practice more advanced skills like addition or skip counting, making it versatile for various age groups.

This holiday-themed activity blends learning with festive fun, ensuring students stay on track with math practice while enjoying the magic of the season!

Christmas math for kindergarten

This reindeer math activity can be adapted in several fun ways to suit different learning goals in your classroom. Here are some suggestions:

Math Centers

Use this activity as a part of your math centers. Have students rotate through the station, picking a number card, feeding their reindeer, and tracing the number on their worksheet. This keeps the activity engaging and allows for repeated practice with different numbers. This is another great math center to add to your holiday or winter activities. Plus, it compliments activities like this gingerbread tens frame activity well!

Tracing Patterns

For more advanced students, you can include number patterns or skip counting on the cards (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8). They’ll feed the reindeer the correct number of ornaments and then trace the whole pattern on their worksheet, reinforcing counting and sequencing.

Incorporate Addition

For older students, use the number cards to practice basic addition. Have them pick two cards, add the total number of ornaments, feed their reindeer that total, and trace the sum on their worksheet. This adds an extra challenge while still keeping the activity playful and fun.

Partner Play

Pair students together and let them take turns drawing number cards, feeding their reindeer, and helping each other trace the correct number. This encourages teamwork and communication.

Holiday Bulletin Board

Once students have finished their reindeer puppets and worksheets, display them on a classroom bulletin board. You could title it “Reindeer Counting Fun” and use it as part of your classroom holiday décor while showcasing their math skills.

This printable reindeer paper bag puppet template for “Feed the Reindeer” is more than just a cute holiday craft—it’s a fantastic way to integrate math practice into your holiday lessons. Students build number recognition, counting skills, and fine motor coordination by feeding their reindeer ornaments and tracing numbers. Whether used as part of a math center or a group activity, this festive reindeer math activity is sure to bring some holiday cheer to your classroom while keeping the learning going strong!

Reindeer Printable

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• This set is for personal and classroom use only.
• This printable set may not be sold, hosted, reproduced, or stored on any other website or electronic retrieval system.
• Graphics Purchased and used with permission from
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> Free Reindeer Math pdf <<