Want to help your students master number sequencing and need an engaging way to teach missing numbers to 20, counting forward and backward, and before and after numbers? These missing number cards on natural wood slices make numeracy interactive, and meaningful - perfect for play-based classrooms, math centers, or small group instruction.

I designed this resource after watching my students lose interest in traditional number worksheets. I wanted something that felt real, engaging, and hands-on - so I created these wood slice missing number cards to bring our number learning to life.

I made some natural wood number cookies and my students just love playing with them and arranging them in order, so I made some cards to challenge them to find the missing numbers.

💡 TIP: I used small natural wood slices and wrote the numerals 0-20 with a permanent marker onto the discs. But don’t worry if you don’t have any - I have included printable single discs with the numerals 0-20 in this resource just in case you would like to use them instead of the natural wood slices.

Low-Prep, Play-Based Math That Saves You Time

• Build number fluency – This resource strengthens ordering numbers to 20, number recognition, and sequencing skills.

• Encourages hands-on problem-solving – Your students will physically manipulate numbers and all that hands-on work makes the learning stick!

• Saves you planning time – The low-prep, print-and-go format means no extra planning and minimal prep work for you.

• Supports differentiation – Two sizes of missing number cards are included and both forward and backward counting sequences to 20 are covered.

• Tied to curriculum standards – Both ACARA Version 9 Foundation stage and the Common Core are aligned, so you can teach with confidence.

Hands on, Nature-Inspired Learning That Engages Students

We all know students learn best when they can touch and explore.

These wood slice number cards make missing number activities visual and interactive, helping students grasp number sequencing without frustration.

With the included reference number cards, students can self-check their work, while the cut-and-paste worksheets provide another option to reinforce number sequencing. Whether you’re using these in a math center, intervention group, or morning tub, they’re a versatile, easy solution to teaching missing number fluency.

This Missing Number Cards Resource Contains:

• 19 missing number cards in a forward counting sequence (2 sizes, all Australian fonts & a US Elementary font).

• 19 missing number cards in a backward counting sequence (2 sizes, all Australian fonts & the Elementary font).

• Wood slice numbers 0 to 20 (2 sizes, all Australian fonts and an Elementary font).

• Wood slice reference number cards showing numbers in order to 5, 10, and 20. (Also in all the fonts).

• Printable Posters and Prompts - a learning prompt poster, an “I Can” statement poster, and a challenge poster to extend learning.

• Printable Common Core & ACARA Foundation Stage Content Descriptors for easy curriculum alignment.

• 6 student recording sheets – Choose the best fit for your learners.

• 3 cut-and-paste worksheets to practice ordering numbers to 20 in a different format.

• Teacher assessment recording sheet to easily document progress.

How to Use This Engaging Math Activity

This flexible, hands-on kindergarten math activity is designed for repeated use across different classroom setups.

🟤 Math Centers & Investigation Areas – Engaging number sequencing practice.
🟤 Small Group Rotations & Intervention Groups – Target missing number fluency.
🟤 Morning Tubs & Math Warm-Ups – Simple, no-prep daily numeracy tasks.
🟤 Early Finishers & Homework – Keep students practising independently.
🟤 Outdoor & Nature Play – Perfect for loose parts-inspired learning.
🟤 Assessment & Progress Tracking – Use the included teacher recording sheet for easy documentation.

💡 TIP: Encourage students to create their own missing number sequences using the challenge prompt poster included. It’s perfect for developing problem-solving skills!

Why This Missing Number Resource is a Must-Have

Imagine a math lesson where your students are actively engaged, challenged, and excited to work with numbers - they’re sorting, sequencing, and problem-solving with hands-on materials that feel like play.

With this Reggio-inspired missing number activity, you’ll see your students develop number fluency faster while staying focused and motivated.

No more disengaged learners because this resource makes math fun, hands-on, and stress-free!

Curriculum-Aligned for Easy Lesson Planning

Common Core Counting & Cardinality Domain

• CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.A.2 – Count forward beginning from a given number within the known sequence.

• CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.A.3 – Write numbers from 0 to 20 and represent numbers with objects.

Australian Curriculum Version 9 (ACARA) Foundation Year – Number & Algebra

name, represent and order numbers including zero to at least 20, using physical and virtual materials and numerals (AC9MFN01)

• recognising the order in the sequence of numbers to 20 and identifying the number that is “one less” than a given number and the number that is “one more”; for example, playing instructive card games that involve reading and ordering number cards; using counting songs, story books and rhymes to establish the forwards and backwards counting sequence of numbers in the context of active counting activities.

• recognising, writing and reading numerals written on familiar objects; for example, in images, text or illustrations in story books; writing a numeral on a container as a label to show how many objects it contains.