stack the numbers maths winter eyfs reception nursery snow ice foundation phase ps1

Ice Numbers Counting Activity – Loose Parts Maths for Early Years / PS1
This playful, hands-on maths activity is ideal for Early Years and PS1 learners in classrooms, home settings, or childminding environments. Designed to support concrete learning through a fun, sensory approach, it helps children develop early number skills while engaging with loose parts and counting in a meaningful way. It also links well with the Welsh Curriculum.
You’ll get:
Ice-themed numbers (1–6) that children can use to explore counting and quantity in an interactive way.
Children place the corresponding number of loose parts, cubes, or small objects onto each ice (e.g. number 2 = two objects), supporting one-to-one correspondence and number recognition.
Perfect for tuff trays, floor play, or small group activities, and easily adapted or reused with different resources and levels of challenge.
Links beautifully with AoLEs:
Mathematics & Numeracy
Health and Wellbeing
Language, Literacy & Communication
If you use this resource, I’d absolutely love to see it in action. Tag me on Instagram: @tufftraysandtinkering
I’m also happy to take requests—just drop me a message!
Thanks so much for supporting my little corner of creativity