This is a good beginning-of-the-year, number-recognition activity. Divide your students into small groups (three to five children). Give each team a scavenger-hunt list. Use numbers one through 10 and various objects from the classroom and/or outside.
Here's a sample of list items (indoor plus outdoor):
Find the Following Things
10 leaves, 9 rocks, 8 blocks, 7 crayons, 6 acorns, 5 sticks, 4 pencils, 3 sheets of paper, 2 paper clips and 1 rubber band
Give each team a bucket and several bags in which to keep their "treasures." You can award a prize to the team that finds all the items first.
Supervise your students closely, especially if you are outside during the hunt.
Attach a small magnet to the end of a line, and tie the other end of the line to a fishing pole, or a stick that resembles a fishing pole. Write the numerals 0 through 10 on index cards and glue a magnet to the back of each card. Cut one side off of a large cardboard box, and paint the box blue. This is your "lake." Choose a student to go behind the box (on the side that's cut out). Other students take turns "fishing" for numbers by lowering their line into the box. The student behind the box attaches a number. The fisher pulls the number out and puts the line back in for another number. Once the child catches two numbers, she must add them and give the answer. You can use prizes to reward correct answers.
Assemble students in groups at work tables. Give each child a large piece of construction paper. Students will need glue, markers, crayons and other art supplies. In the center of each table place a bucket containing items such as buttons, tiny marshmallows, candy corn, etc. Tell the students they can create any picture they like, but that they must use a certain number of items from the bucket. For instance, Table 1 students might be required to glue three buttons, five marshmallows and two pieces of candy corn in their picture. Once everyone is finished, each child can to come to the front of the class to display his artwork.